6 Ways to Help Isolated Seniors While Social Distancing
6 Ways to Help Isolated Seniors While Social Distancing
Millions of seniors rely on family support to get by. From family caregiving to informal get-togethers, the care and attention of loved ones is a big part of what keeps aging-in-place seniors healthy. When that support is disrupted, it has a big impact on a senior’s well-being. Believe it or not, senior isolation has been compared to smoking because of its deadly effects, which include heart problems, cognitive impairment, and frailty.
With older adults considered high risk for COVID-19, seniors may want to maintain social distancing. However, even when they can’t be together, families can still support their older loved ones. Here are six ways that you can prevent senior isolation if you’re social distancing.
Spend Time as a Family — Virtually
You may not be able to gather around the dinner table, but you can spend quality time together while social distancing. Video calling apps like FaceTime, Skype, and Zoom allow multiple people to join a video chat and are simple enough for anyone to use. Also, they’ll need a strong connection to share those videos. So if they don’t already have fast and reliable internet set up, you’ll also need to check the area to see what providers are available.
One great way to prevent isolation in seniors is to have them reconnect with old friends and acquaintances. A site like ClassFinders.com allows them to locate classmates from their graduating class, which is especially helpful if they can’t find them through social media. A quick video call with an old friend can help mitigate feelings of isolation.
Check-In Frequently
In addition to big virtual get-togethers, remember to check in often. Quick phone calls, text messages, or even a postcard in the mail lets senior loved ones know you’re thinking about them and brightens their day. If you’re an essential worker and can’t check in yourself, look into daily check-in services that send automated calls and notify contacts if no one answers. You may also want to consider hiring a licensed and insured caregiver to come into your senior’s home if they need extra care when you can’t be there.
Order Food and Prescription Delivery
The last place you want an elderly parent to be during a pandemic is in the middle of a packed Costco. Help seniors stay safe and healthy at home by signing up for meal or grocery delivery. There are a lot of great options for food delivery, including online grocers, local grocery stores that offer delivery, and meal kit subscriptions. However, keep in mind that these services are extremely busy right now. Place orders at least a week in advance to keep your loved one’s kitchen stocked.
Seniors can also get prescription medications delivered to their home. Both pharmacies and online prescription companies offer home delivery for free or a small fee.
Watch a Movie Together
Watching a movie together just isn’t the same when you’re not in the same room — unless you have a Netflix Party. Netflix Party is a Google Chrome browser extension that lets friends and family watch movies together in real-time, including a chat room for mingling while you watch. To help seniors install Netflix Party, send them this simple step-by-step guide.
Go to (Online) Church Together
Is your senior parent missing her weekly church service? Help seniors stay connected to their congregations by tuning into online church services together. Many churches are broadcasting live worship services online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Check social media or call to find out if your senior loved one’s church has gone virtual.
Encourage Taking Up a Hobby
Seniors also need ways to keep busy alone. Hobbies give seniors a reason to stay physically and mentally active while at home. There are a lot of hobbies that seniors can take up alone or through an online class, including:
***Written for Meridian Counseling by Emma Grace Brown.