How to Stay Connected with Loved Ones in Assisted Living During COVID-19

2020 has been a rough year for just about everyone. It’s safe to say that no one has made it through the past six months without at least one major setback. But, for some people, it has been a more trying time than for others. The elderly and immunocompromised have had to take extra steps to ensure their safety, usually meaning long and lonely periods of social distancing. For older adults living in assisted living facilities, this means they have had to go months without seeing their family. Without regular checkups, your family members might be left feeling neglected and forgotten. No one deserves to feel this way. If you are looking for new ways to stay connected with your loved one in an assisted living facility, we’ve got you covered.

Use Technology

No one is more than just a phone call away these days. If your loved one has access to a smartphone or a tablet, you can use Skype, Zoom, or Facetime to connect face to face. If they do not have a personal device, talk to the care facility, and see if there are any options to have something made available. Nurses should be able to help set up a phone call if your loved one struggles to work with technology. Staying in contact this way is more personal than just a simple phone call, and your loved one will be happy to see your face.

Write a Touching Letter

If technology isn’t an option, don’t underestimate the power of a well-written letter. Snail mail was the backbone of communication for hundreds of years. A letter is far more personal than just a text message and can be held onto for years to come. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable or caring in a letter. It’s not every day that someone receives this seemingly anachronistic form of communication.

Send Some Photos

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and that is especially true if your loved one hasn’t seen you in months. If you have young children, consider sending their pictures for grandma and grandpa to see. A few photographs show that you are keeping well and are a lovely addition to a letter. You don’t even have to send it through the mail. Most assisted living facilities will be open to accepting a drop-off, as long as you follow their safety protocols.

Send a Care Package

If you’re going to drop off some photos, you might as well send a care package. Think of all the favorite things your loved one might not be able to get now that they are stuck in lockdown. Put them in a box, wrap it in some pretty paper, and drop it off for your loved one. Be sure that anything you send has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to prevent spreading the virus but, as long as you follow the facilities guidelines, you should be fine to make this form of deposit.

Check With Their Caretakers

Because your loved ones are more limited in their social sphere, they must be staying active throughout these difficult times. Keep in contact with the care facility, and be sure that they are planning engaging activities for their residents. They don’t have to be doing anything strenuous, but a daily hobby can help to stave off any boredom, anxiety, or loneliness. If not, feel free to make some suggestions. You are paying for your loved one to stay there, so they must be receiving adequate care.

Staying in contact with your loved one’s care facility is a good practice even in the best of times, but more so now than ever before. If you have any questions concerning their safety or comfort, it is understandable that you want to reach out. If you have a loved one residing at Heidi’s Haven, we would be happy to answer any of your questions or concerns. You can contact us at 352-787-3034 or via our online question form. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

Conclusion

Getting through these trying times is more than a matter of will power. We have to be there for each other, even if we can’t gather physically. Staying in touch with your loved ones in assisted living facilities will keep them from feeling lonely and forgotten, something that no one should have to deal with. Hopefully, we have been able to help with a few ideas and, if you need to reach out to us, we at Heidi’s Haven are more than happy to help in any way.

Sources:

https://www.lorettocny.org/news-events/blog/how-seniors-can-stay-connected-loved-ones-during-covid-19

https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20200611/stay-connected-with-loved-ones-in-nursing-homes

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