{"id":8203,"date":"2024-03-04T13:59:39","date_gmt":"2024-03-04T18:59:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/6c3d125d92.nxcli.io\/baltimore\/keeping-seniors-connected\/"},"modified":"2024-03-04T13:59:39","modified_gmt":"2024-03-04T18:59:39","slug":"keeping-seniors-connected","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carepatrol.com\/baltimore\/keeping-seniors-connected\/","title":{"rendered":"Keeping Seniors “Connected”"},"content":{"rendered":"

By CarePatrol of Baltimore<\/strong><\/p>\n

Now more than ever we need to check on seniors in our communities. We need social connection to thrive\u2014no matter our age. In this time of social distancing and stay-at-home requirements, social isolation is hard to avoid. Recent research shows that the negative health consequences of chronic isolation and loneliness may be especially harmful for older adults1<\/sup>. As our collective world is driving massive changes to our typical routines, older adults who live alone are especially at risk. And while we can\u2019t invite them over for a cup of coffee,\u00a0 because of the risks of COVID-19, there are other things we can do to help.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s our top 6 recommendations to help seniors avoid the negative health consequences of isolation and loneliness:<\/p>\n

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  1. Call<\/strong>. Call your mom, your auntie, your neighbor, your former teacher, your friends. Check in on a senior and see if they need anything. It may be they are too afraid to go to the market for groceries and are unsure of how to order online. Offer to pick some things up or provide some coaching for online ordering. Perhaps they simply need to hear a friendly voice.\u00a0 Who doesn\u2019t like knowing that someone is thinking of them?<\/li>\n
  2. Go for a walk.<\/strong>\u00a0 Walking together while practicing safe distancing is an easy way to spend some quality time together while still respecting each other\u2019s space. The exercise, fresh air and social interaction are good for you both.<\/li>\n
  3. Play an online game.\u00a0<\/strong>Games\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0like\u00a0Chess<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0Words with Friends<\/a>\u00a0are not only social, they help to keep the brain active and engaged as well. Mental stimulation and the anticipation of waiting for the next person\u2019s turn helps people stay connected. Set up competitions, challenges and \u201cprizes\u201d (bragging rights?) to keep it interesting. Set regular \u201cgame-time\u201d or play throughout the day.<\/li>\n
  4. Share book and movie recommendations<\/strong>. We\u2019re all stuck at home, and a virtual movie or book review provides common ground for conversation. Read the book then watch the movie combos are always interesting. From best-seller lists to revisiting the classics, it\u2019s a great time to catch up on the best – and talk about it. Most libraries offer downloadable content with a card. And cards can be applied for right on the website.\u00a0 Need help getting started?\u00a0Good Reads<\/a>\u00a0has lists, discussion topics, and more. Or go to your local library\u2019s website.<\/li>\n
  5. Use online Meeting Apps<\/strong>. If your senior has a smartphone, tablet or computer,\u00a0teach them how to use ZOOM, FaceTime, Google Hangouts or any of the other online meeting applications you might be familiar with. With these apps they can see you and feel connected.\u00a0 Have weekly calls with all your family online. This is one of the easiest ways to connect.<\/li>\n
  6. Check in on Medications.<\/strong>\u00a0Make sure medications are being refilled. Look into setting up home delivery if this is not already in place. Most pharmacies are now offering delivery.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    Whether you have a senior in your life that is right next door or 5 states away, there are ways to stay connected and help them avoid isolation and loneliness. You might find you get as much out of it as they do!<\/p>\n