VISITING ANGELS SOUTH ELGIN, IL 847-429-0100
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Staying Connected During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Social distancing. Stay-at-home. Stop the spread. COVID-19. These are all phrases that have naturally become a part of our everyday conversations. Usual routines have been uprooted and plans have been cancelled. It’s a lot to process right now, especially for seniors. They have been identified as the most at-risk population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many seniors have asked family members not to visit right now, if their families haven’t already taken that precaution. Some seniors aren’t leaving their homes to buy groceries, even during special senior-only shopping hours. Usual places of community have been closed, such as libraries, churches, senior centers, and gyms.

Daughter video calling her motherSuch rapid change can be difficult for many seniors, especially those that live alone. Feelings of being isolated can creep in, putting seniors at risk for depression and anxiety. It’s very important for seniors to remain socially connected as this crisis continues. While we don’t know when this will all end, we do know that seniors thrive when they have a support network. Here are a few ways for seniors to stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic, while practicing social distancing.

Make the Most of Your Video Chats

We hope you are already engaging in video calls with family and friends. Although it’s not the same as an in-person visit, virtual visits truly are the next best thing, Make the most of your video calls by finding fun ways to connect with your loved ones. Do you have young grandkids? Host a virtual tea party or ask to play with play dough with them. Get out your own teacups or make your own play dough, then encourage them to do the same. Elementary aged grandkids might enjoy hearing you read a chapter of their favorite book. This would also benefit their parents, who would greatly appreciate a fifteen-minute break to down a cup of hot coffee. Connect with older grandkids by playing a virtual game with them. Or teach them how to make a favorite family recipe. High school seniors may be feeling disappointed that their proms were cancelled. Dig up a photo from your prom and share memories with them. Think outside the box and turn the video calls into a meaningful experience.

Organize a Group Call

Just because you can’t get together in person does not mean that you can’t stay connected with your social groups virtually. Many people are turning to Zoom or Google Hangouts so that they can continue to connect with groups of friends. Whether it’s your small group, neighborhood book club, sorority sister group, or extended family Sunday dinner, you can continue to meet virtually. Keeping the social commitment will also help you feel grounded. It will give you something to look forward to and help you feel in control.

Write Letters

Letter writing is making a comeback now that social distancing is limiting our everyday interactions. Help the day pass by writing heart-felt letters to family, friends, and even essential workers. Share specific moments and memories that you hold dear in your heart about each person to whom you write. Mail them, or save them for a special occasion, such as a graduation, wedding, birth of a child, or start of a new career.

Participate in Neighborhood Events

Many neighborhoods are creating fun, socially distant appropriate events to help boost morale in their community. Join your neighborhood social media page to find out what’s happening in your neighborhood. If you aren’t familiar with social media, then create your own morale boosters to encourage your neighbors. Chalk your driveway or sidewalk with words of encouragement. Lavishly decorate your front facing windows, giving young kids something to look at on their walks. Turn your window into a display window, using household objects or stuffed animals to create a scene. Not only will decorating keep your mind engaged, it will also help you feel connected to your neighbors, even if you can’t visit in person right now.

Go for Walks

Finally, if you’re able, be sure to leave the house and enjoy the spring weather. Go for a short walk around your neighborhood, being mindful to keep a safe distance from other neighbors. If you can’t go for a walk, sit outside on nice days. You can people-watch safely from your front porch and realize that you really aren’t that alone. Social distancing does not mean that you need to hole up in your home.

Another way to stay connected during the COVID-19 crisis is to reach out to Visiting Angels South Elgin. We are considered essential and our phone lines are still open. While our usual operations might look a little different right now, you can rest assured that our competency and care have not changed. We are able to continue to offer free consultations via video or phone conferencing technology. Our caregivers are being diligent, following the CDC’s guidelines concerning COVID-19. You do not need to wait until this crisis has passed in order to start receiving the help that you need. Please reach out to us today so that we can learn more about your situation.

Serving Elgin and the surrounding NW IL Suburbs

Visiting Angels SOUTH ELGIN, IL
65 Woodbury St.
South Elgin, IL 60177
Phone: 847-429-0100

Serving Elgin and the surrounding NW IL Suburbs

Visiting Angels SOUTH ELGIN, IL
65 Woodbury St.
South Elgin, IL 60177
Phone: 847-429-0100