Tips for Seniors: Staying in Touch when You Need to Stay Home

These days, most of us are staying home to combat the COVID-19 virus. Whether youre in a senior assisted living facility or in a house alone, for seniors, a diminished sense of connectivity can affect your health and wellbeing. Relationships are important to everyone. They heighten your sense of life satisfaction and happiness, and they can make a difference in your physical health as well by lowering your stress levels to keep you calm and relaxed. So, with relationships being so important, how do we keep in touch when we cant have those familiar in-person visits? There are a few ways, and not all of them require that you be technology-savvy. Phone calls. For years, the phone call was advertised as the best substitute for in-person visits, and its especially true today. Regular phone calls can help you feel closer to friends and family, so try to schedule at least one call a week with each person you want to stay in touch with. This is easier for some family members, who may be staying home themselves while their workplaces are closed, but for others who are essential workers, phone calls may be challenging because they are so busy. This is where scheduling a time to call can be the best way to stay in touch. Video calls. Video calls are very popular nowadays, and if you know your way around a computer or have someone nearby who can help, they can be a great way to stay in touch, because you can see as well as hear your friends and family. In most cases, the call can be set up by someone else and you only need to click on a link to connect. Be safe online, however, and never click on a link in an email where you arent sure it came from your friend or family member. You can hop on a quick phone call before the video call to be sure you are using a safe link. Letters. The post office is still operating, and this old-fashioned way of staying in touch is still an important resource today. If you have access to stamps, paper, and a pen, writing a letter or sending a postcard to a friend or family member can be a great way to stay connected. The recipient can read it and reply at their convenience. Its always fun to get mail, especially now when we are all at home. If you have grandchildren, they can make great pen pals ask them to include their latest drawing or talk about their day. It can make you feel much closer. Window and outdoor visits. If your friends and family are close, there are still ways to visit in person. With face masks and social distancing, it may be safe to visit in an outdoor setting, although you should always get advice from your physician first. If outside visits arent possible for you, consider window visits, where your friends and family are just outside the window so you can visit and see them. This option works best if you are also both on the phone, so you can hear everything they say. Staying at home doesnt have to mean being out of touch with the people you love. With a little creativity, youll be able to communicate with friends and family regularly. And if you need a bit more help and its time to transition to a senior living facility, contact our professionals at Ashbridge Manor Senior Living and well make it easy. Our friendly staff members and state-of-the-art facilities emphasize wellness, fun daily activities, and a welcoming sense of community. You can find us at 971 E. Lancaster Avenue in Downingtown, PA, call 610.269.8800, or contact us online for more information.