The last 6 months have presented some real challenges with staying in touch with our loved ones. Whether they are living at home or in assisted living, it is clear that the elderly need to be kept safe and healthy. Families and caregivers are stepping up in these unique circumstances to ensure that our senior loved ones are not only protected, but have the social interaction that they need.

Experts agree that isolation and loneliness can cause a myriad of issues for any individual, but senior citizens are at special risk. Feeling isolated can cause depression and accelerate the onset of dementia or other cognitive decline. Seniors who feel lonely are more likely to not eat properly, ignore appropriate exercise, and even neglect to take medications.

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Staying in Touch

If your loved one is in an assisted living facility, you are likely already aware of the protocols which are in place to protect your loved one. Sadly, because of the risk to the elderly population, personal visits are typically not allowed. Families have been challenged to find new ways to stay connected to their loved ones. Here are just a few ideas:

  • Utilize Technology to Make Calls: Applications such as Zoom and FaceTime have revolutionized real-time communication for everyone. Seeing a loved ones face while talking to them affords a more significant level of connection and comfort. You may need to purchase a tablet or laptop for these calls if your loved one has trouble making out the small screen. you will have to check with the administration of their facility to make sure that someone can help them to set up the call on their end if they do not have the technical knowledge to do so. If your loved one prefers traditional phone calls, set several times for phone calls a week, so that they know when they can expect to hear from you. It gives a sense of order and normalcy, while giving them something to look forward to.
  • Make Videos or Voice Messages: If you are concerned about being able to keep a scheduled call, you may wish to send pre-recorded videos or voice messages to your loved ones. In this way they can also keep them to replay whenever they are lonely. You can pre0load a laptop with all kinds of family videos, events, personal greetings – and set up shortcuts on the home screen so that your loved one need only touch the screen to launch a personalized screening of family greetings.
  • Send a Digital Photo Frame: Scrolling photo frames are a great way to share family photos, and many can be added to remotely. This is a great way to keep your senior loved ones involved and up to date as to what is happening.
  • Send Cards and Letters: A personally written card or letter seems a dying art, but it is the method of communication most familiar to many of our seniors. If they can still read easily, sending regular letters is a special way to keep in touch; if they cannot, ask a staff member if they will make sure that the letters are read to them.

Understanding that connection is a lifeline for seniors, A Banyan Residence has established an outdoor visiting area which allows for family to see loved ones while still maintaining the safety protocols from the Health Department. Call today to learn more about how we are keeping your loved ones safe, and how we are are committed to making sure they stay connected through this time.