Staying connected with those we love during the times of Covid-19

For human beings, having good friendships, relationships and social connections plays an important part in looking after our wellbeing. With self-isolation and social-distancing measures remaining in place, we can really start to feel the loss of human contact. This can have a negative impact on our mood. So in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, it is more important than ever that we stay connected with our loved ones – albeit while maintaining distance.

Here are some of the ways you can keep in touch during this time:

Have virtual meet ups with friends and family

In the absence of being able to see your friends and family in person, a video call could help to bridge the gap. Scheduling a regular catch-up can give you both something to look forward to and helps to add structure to your day.

• Make the most of video calling, whether that’s with Zoom, WhatsApp, FaceTime or various other methods that are available
• It might also help to put up photos of friends and family around you too
• Seeing another person on the screen and being able to talk for a while can help someone feel less alone and planned calls give us something to look forward to

Make time to talk

It’s natural to feel a range of emotions at the moment especially since it may have been months since we have seen out entire families or spend a lot of social time with friends. By talking about your feelings, you might find you’re able to share different ways of thinking about things and gain a different perspective. You might also feel less alone in how you feel and gain useful advice from people you trust.

• Check in on friends and family at set times of the day. The mornings might be a good time for this if you find it particularly tough waking up to the reality of the situation
• Starting your day chatting to a friend or loved one can put you in a positive mood
• Talk about coronavirus if you want to, but also agree to talk about other things too

Online activities

During difficult times, it is also good to have some light relief to talk and laugh about, and to share other things too. Use technology to get creative.

• From virtual pop quizzes, to live streamed yoga classes and online after work drinks – the possibilities are endless
• Set up a coffee and cake catch-up, or a dinner date
• Play games such as video games, board games and charades online with your friends too

Have a movie night

Even though you cannot go to the movies or invite friends around to watch a film, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a movie night together.

• Have a Netflix party: it’s a plug-in that allows you to stream the film at the same time, and pause it if you need to. It also has a chat window so you can all chip in and chat while you’re watching.
• Or start a film at the same time and have a shared WhatsApp group for everyone to comment in.

Listen to the radio

To hear the voice of a friendly and familiar presenter can be particularly comforting if you are on your own. And knowing that lots of other people are out there listening along too can help foster a sense of wider social connection.

You may get the same comfort from listening to podcasts or audiobooks.

Share the simple pleasures

In this time of uncertainty and worry, many people find connection by sharing the small and simple pleasures of life. For example, send each other:

• links to music
• uplifting photos
• snaps of what you’re getting up to at home
• funny memes, jokes and videos

These can all help keep that sense of togetherness that we all need right now.

Professional Companionship

Companionship is one of the most important benefits we can offer our senior community members as a homecare provider. Especially for those who may be alone through the pandemic for safety reasons.

Our home health aides are licensed, bonded and insured caregivers who are trained in proper infection control and standards of PPE (personal protective equipment) who can be in your loved ones home to support these activities and boost morale.

If you'd like to learn more about the care we can offer your aging loved one to ensure they're safe and well during the most difficult times, check out our website or give us a call today at 866-720-0124!