In order to ensure the well-being of ourselves and our loved ones, social distancing has taken precedence over our usual visits, events and activities. You might be asking yourself what you can do during this challenging time to stay connected to your loved ones. It’s important to follow social distancing instructions to maintain a safe and healthy environment for you and your senior family member, but that doesn’t mean you have to lose touch.
We’re fortunate to live in a time where technology can connect us, regardless of location. Besides using technology for entertainment and learning during this unique time, it can also keep us us in close contact with our friends and family! Fortunately, many organizations moved quickly to provide their services electronically, which you can easily access and share with your loved ones. Here are some resources you can add to your engagement toolbox during and even after social distancing:
- Museums
Ever wanted to visit the most famous museums? Now you can do it without having to board a plane or buy a ticket. Recently these museums had to close their doors to the public, but that’s not stopping them from sharing art with the rest of the world. You can even visit the same museum as your senior family member and discuss your favorite works. Here is a link with many options to choose from.
- National Parks
We might be staying six feet apart and avoiding travel, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the wonder of the world around us. It’s possible to visit the nation’s national parks with your senior loved one through this high-resolution footage. Which national parks will you and your family visit?
- Alzheimer’s Association
Keep your mind sharp, join this monthly webinar and discuss topics related to Alzheimer’s.
Or learn about the resources a local support group has to offer! Find a group here.
- Online Classes
Studies show staying active and continuing to learn slows the brain’s aging process. Most local colleges offer online classes you can audit for free.
For example, check out these free lectures from the University of Washington and other higher education institutes. Taking a class with your family members is another great way to stay connected and stay involved in each other’s lives.
- Read or listen to audiobooks
You don’t need to be next to each other to create your own, virtual book club! This monthly audiobook subscription allows you to download as many books as you want for free from their online catalog for the first month.
Or support your local library and join their eBook program.
Nowadays most local libraries have an online catalog of Ebooks you can “check out” for free. No need to go into your library. All you need is a library card!
- Call, video chat, or send care packages:
If your loved one is in a senior living community, you are likely feeling the strain of not being able to visit them. Stay in touch by calling them, setting up video call appointments, and sending them care packages or letters. At Fieldstone Communities we know this is a challenging time for families and we are doing everything we can to keep connections strong. Reach out to your community and they will assist you in scheduling a call or video chat.
Another great resource provided by Fieldstone Communities is our LifeLoop tool. Lifeloop is an interactive, internet-based platform that allows you to connect with your loved ones in senior living communities. When face-to-face visits aren’t available, video, phone, and messaging are the next best thing. The LifeLoop software is readily accessible through a laptop, smartphone or tablet.
Learn more about LifeLoop here.
We are all looking forward to the time when we can visit together face-to-face! In the meantime, we hope that these ideas can provide you with a sense of comfort and connection to the ones we all love and continue to put first: our residents at Fieldstone.
