Tips for Keeping Your Elderly Loved One Socialized During Social Distancing Order

If the social distancing order has made your elderly loved one feel lonely, there are some things that you can do to help. The first thing to remember is that social distancing is helping to save lives. It is important that your elderly loved one continue social distancing to do their part in preventing the spread of COVID-19. With this being said, there are still ways they can socialize, despite this virus and the social distancing guidelines.  

Phone Calls 

 Senior Care Spring Branch, TX: Keeping Seniors Social

Sometimes just a basic phone call can make your elderly loved one’s day. It might be best if you set up a schedule where you and other family members call your elderly loved one. You can call your loved one a few times a week and have another family member call them on the other days. By keeping in touch through these phone calls, your elderly loved one can have someone to talk to every day. This can make them feel less lonely.  

Video Chats 

There are many apps that allow for video chats. Your elderly loved one can use Facebook video chatting, FaceTime, Skype, or Zoom to keep in contact with their loved ones and friends. By having these video chats, while it doesn’t replace face-to-face contact, it can help your loved one to feel more connected to their family members and friends.  

Writing Letters 

Your elderly loved one might enjoy it if you send them letters in the mail. When they receive the letter from you, they can write you back, as well. There are many benefits of handwriting letters including encouraging brain development, keeping the brain sharp, and improving calmness in one’s life.  

Social Media and Text Messaging 

You can also help your elderly loved one to socialize, while continuing with the social distancing order, by setting them up with social media and text messaging. Your elderly loved one can even play games on Facebook or other platforms with you or other loved ones. They could play Words with Friends, for instance.  

 

These are some of the best ways that your elderly loved one can keep socializing even while social distancing. It does take a toll on people when they can’t visit their family members and friends. However, if your elderly loved one has a senior care provider helping them out at their home and they socialize with others using these tips, they can stay socialized. By doing these things, your elderly loved one can stay happier and feel less lonely, too. 

 

If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Care in Spring Branch, TX, contact the caring staff at Personal Caregiving Services at 832-564-0338. Providing Care in Houston, Bellaire, West University Place, Katy, and Sugar Land and the surrounding areas. 

 

Sources 

https://www.treehugger.com/culture/7-surprising-benefits-writing-hand.html 

Sid Gerber