Keep in Touch During the Coronavirus Epidemic

If you have elderly loved ones who are living alone or in an assisted living facility that has halted visits, the AARP offers several things you can do to help them stay socially connected and avoid feeling isolated.  Remember one of the most important things we can do is to let them know they are loved and missed. 

The easiest way you can do this is through frequent phone calls, but also don’t forget other ways of communicating such as sending a letter or greeting card through the snail mail reminding them you are thinking of them.  Include the kids by having them draw a picture for grandma or grandpa or if they are old enough, have them also write a letter. 

It definitely makes it more personal to stay in touch if your parent has a computer or a smart device that lets you facetime or skype on a regular basis and the AAPR has some ideas of how to use video-calling to keep it fun.  One suggestion if your kids are young is to arrange to have grandma or grandpa read books to them over a video-call (if they do not have suitable books, go online and send them some).  Or if your child is learning to read, have them read to their grandparents. 

Another thing you can do is schedule a meal to be delivered to them from a local carry out place or from a service such as Grubhub, and settle down and enjoy sharing a meal with them while video chatting.  In addition, conversation starters can include watching the same movie or documentary and then spend time talking about it, or setting up a game or chessboard and playing the game together over the phone.  

The MorningStar of Beaverton assisted living and memory care community offers trusted senior living our families depend on.  Our comprehensive, compassionate care includes services and programming that support the whole person: body, mind and spirit.  Please visit our website for availability and pricing or give us a call with any questions.  We offer families peace of mind knowing their loved one is receiving the very best care. 

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Beaverton represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us learn more about our exceptional assisted living facility.

Source:

aarp.org/caregiving/health/info-2020/boost-morale-during-coronavirus.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R4-POS2-REALPOSS-TODAY