We are currently experiencing a global pandemic. Everyone is worried. One of the greatest challenges we are facing is the uncertainty about the Novel Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. No one really knows how deadly the coronavirus is. There have been lots of efforts to develop vaccines and treatments for the coronavirus. Unfortunately, as of today, there still is no vaccine or specific medicine to prevent or treat COVID-19.
Last Friday, March 13, 2020, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency due to the coronavirus crisis. On that same day, the Federal Government has announced restrictions and guidelines for nursing homes and long-term care facility visitors. This new policy aims to protect seniors from the coronavirus as they are most susceptible to this virus. The policy states that “Nursing homes should restrict all visitors and non-essential health care personnel, except for certain compassionate care cases such as end-of-life situations.” All group activities and communal dining will be cancelled as well.
With this new policy, a lot of families are worried and concerned that they won’t be able to see their elderly loved ones for some time. This is very concerning because we would not want the elderly to feel isolated. Having visitors is very important to remind seniors how much they are loved by family and friends. Seniors tend to be lonely and depressed without regular visitors.
With the new “No Visitors” policy being implemented in Nursing Homes, Assisted Living and other Long-term Care facilities, how can we show or express love to our elderly parents or relatives?
Today’s technology allows us to stay in touch with our elderly loved ones. Here are 5 Ways to show seniors in Long-Term Care Facilities that they are loved and missed during this Coronavirus crisis:
5 Coronavirus Tips
Coronavirus Tip #1: Phone calls
Call regularly to remind our elderly loved ones how much you love and miss them. Remember they’re just a phone call away. If they don’t have a phone in their room or a cellphone, call the community. Be sure to tell your loved one that you really want to see them, but you can’t for their protection and safety from the novel coronavirus.
Coronavirus Tip #2: Skype, Video Call or FaceTime
If they have an iPad, iPhone, laptop, smart phone, etc, be sure to Facetime or do video calls with them so they can see your face. It will definitely brighten their day to see your smiling face as well as the other members of the family. Just make sure to say how much you love and miss them. Assure them that once the coronavirus issue is resolved, you will immediately visit them.
Coronavirus Tip #3: Send eMails
You can always communicate through emails. Email is a good way to keep in touch with your elderly loved ones during this coronavirus pandemic. A lot of seniors like emails because they are easy, fast and very convenient to use.
They can send and receive updates from family and friends as well as photos. The best part is that emails can be saved. This allows them to read your emails and repeatedly view the photos you send them.
Coronavirus Tip #4: Social Media
More and more, seniors use social media today to stay in touch with family and friends. Even before the novel coronavirus, social media has been a great way to keep in touch with our loved ones.
Connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or other social media channels. Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms among seniors.
Social media makes it a lot easier for senior to keep up with what’s going on with their family members and friends. It delights them to see photos and status updates of their loved ones, making them feel closer, especially during the “No Visitors” policy.
Not only can social media help them stay updated with family and friends, it also allows them to be aware of current events, including the coronavirus health issue we are battling today.
Coronavirus Tip #5: Letters
Seniors love the old fashion way of receiving personal letters or postcards in the mail. Up to this day and time, the elderly population still looks forward to getting mails. Even during this coronavirus challenge, write letters and send photos regularly if time permits. Be sure to say how much you miss them and can’t wait to see them when the coronavirus concern is resolved.
Unfortunately, we don’t know how long this coronavirus crisis will last. We have never seen or experienced anything like this before in almost a hundred years. This has been very difficult for everyone, especially for the elderly population. Imagine how tough it is for seniors to not have visitors or not see or talk to their loved ones for a long period of time.
Let’s make the most out of this challenging time to show and express how much we love them. Constant communication is very important to make our elderly loved ones feel our compassion and concern for them during this coronavirus pandemic.
Follow this guide to help you and others stay protected. Please share with family, friends and loved ones.
Other Articles Similar to “Staying Connected with Seniors in Assisted Living”:
How to Assisted Living Facilities Respond to the Coronavirus Pandemic?
5 Steps if You Need Assisted Living During the Coronavirus
What if You are Infected with Coronavirus?
7 Tips on How Seniors Care Protect Themselves
10 Ways to Help Seniors Cope with Isolation During the Coronavirus
Copyright © 2020 SeniorCareHomes.com. All Rights Reserved.
Catharine “Kate” is a Certified Administrator for Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) and an Expert Senior Care Advisor. Kate’s grandmother battled Alzheimer’s Disease and Kate personally understands what millions of families are going through. Kate and her team are very passionate in empowering Seniors and their families by providing them with the Best Available Senior Care Options based on Senior’s care needs, preferred location and family’s budget.
Featured & Seen In:
