Reducing isolation for seniors during the pandemic
JENNARAE BURICH
Multimedia Designer
Holidays can be a stressful time . There ’ s the baking , shopping , traveling , and trying to manage time between work and celebrations . However , spending time with family is often one of the most rewarding parts of holiday time . It ’ s perfect for catching up with cousins , seeing how aunts and uncles are doing , crying over how big the younger family members are getting , and cooing over the newest family members .
This year , a generation may be missing . With COVID- 19 , seniors may be unable to join , making their care facilities feel more like cages than homes .
Seniors living in facilities may be unable to join many of the festive activities , but there are ways to keep them involved .
Seniors and technology
Some facilities have invested in technology to keep their seniors connected . Monarch Healthcare Management has invested in 150 iPads company wide , and Harrison Bay also has iPads for residents to use . This allows residents to have regular video chats with friends and family .
“ We utilize an app on our phones where we can create special videos for families with their loved one and send it to them via text . This has been a great way for us to show what ’ s happening inside the community ,” said Jennifer Ensign , executive director at Stonebay Senior Living .
Julie Maruska , director of marketing at Harrison Bay Senior Living , suggests having shorter phone calls more often , setting up a loved one with Facebook so they can stay in touch with friends , and Zoom story time , so grandparents can read to grandchildren virtually .
Keeping in touch the old fashioned way
Aside from technology , there are lots of ways to stay connected . Writing letters , and including pictures , can be a fantastic way to keep up . It gives the senior something physical to hang onto , and gets rid of the technology hurdle .
Another thing that can be done is “ delivering a smile .” Mail or drop off a care package with some of the resident ’ s favorite things . From flowers to a can of soda , whatever will make them smile can be a welcome day brightener .
Maruska reminds family members to check on their loved ones diets and community rules before bringing meals or food .
Making sure seniors are included
Recently , most visits have had to take place outdoors , 6 feet apart , to keep to COVID-19 guidelines .
“ If facilities can stay clear of COVID-19 , and the county has under a 10 percent rate of infection ,” Marc Halpert of Monarch Senior Healthcare Management said , “ we can begin letting other visitors in . We are taking this day by day , but the next 45 to 60 days are crucial .”
Ensign said , “ As of October 19 , we are allowed to have indoor visits that are scheduled , and no more than 10 visitors in the entire building at the same time . As long as we do not have any active cases , and our county case
Seniors can connect with their families by using technology , such as phones or tablets .
positivity rate is below 10 percent , we can continue this practice . This is an exciting change for us , as it is getting colder and outdoor visits would be a challenge . We are ready for what comes our way and , if necessary , we can have our outdoor visits in our underground parking garage .”
Many facilities have already begun exploring back-up plans on how to safely celebrate holidays together .
“ We will always ensure there are special activities and a holiday meal for all of our holidays throughout the year ,” Ensign explained . “ It will look different this year , but we will ensure that we make it as special as possible .”
Keeping everyone safe
The CDC has many recommendations on keeping everyone , not just seniors , safe during the holidays . COVID-19 does not discriminate , and neither should precautions .
• Provide or ask attendees to bring extra masks , hand sanitizer , and tissues .
• Limit the number of attendees .
• Keep it local . We all love your aunt ’ s brother ’ s best friend ’ s cousin from California , but maybe he can come another time .
• When eating at a restaurant , go at off-peak hours to reduce the amount of exposure to others .
• Minimize close contact gestures , such as handshakes , and hugs .
• Wash your hands often .
• Limit the amount of people in the kitchen at one time .
• Opt for single-use options , or have one person serve sharable items , such as food , drinks , or condiments .
Doing all of these , in addition to many other suggestions , will reduce the spread of COVID-19 , and keep everyone healthy .
“ We have the ability to stop this from continuing ,” Halpert said , “ but we need to be more careful .”
With careful preparations , people will be able to hug their loved ones again , and soon seniors may feel a little less lonely .
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SeniorConnectionsHJ . COM Senior Connections Nov / Dec 2020
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