by Libby Howell, a.k.a. “Gamma”
The pandemic has been hard on everyone, but it’s been especially challenging for older individuals. The CDC asserts seniors are in the highest-risk category for becoming seriously ill from COVID-19, so many have been isolating more strictly than younger people.
If you’re a senior and you don’t know how to avoid loneliness by staying in touch with your loved ones during this unusual time, it’s important to understand there are ways to connect. Here are a few tips from Aging Services for seeing your family members daily—even when you’re isolating.
Learn How To Use Video Chatting Software
These days, technology makes it easier than ever to see the ones you love even when you aren’t physically close to each other. Video chatting software provides seniors with an easy and effective way to not only hear the voices of loved ones but also see their faces as well.
There are a variety of apps available to help you chat face-to-face with your family members. A few options include Zoom, Skype and FaceTime. These are all popular choices because they have a reputation for working well, and most people know how to use them or can learn easily. If you aren’t familiar with how these apps work, try searching for instructional videos that demonstrate how to use them.
Set Up Daily or Weekly Contact Appointments
If your family members are busy with work, school and other responsibilities during the pandemic, they may forget to get in touch as often as they should. For this reason, you may want to schedule daily or weekly contact appointments. That way your family members know exactly when you’re expecting them to call or vice versa.
Talk to each other in advance to determine what days and times are best for regularly scheduled phone calls. Then, put a reminder in your phone just as you would for any other type of meeting or engagement.
Buy a Larger Device for Communications
If your eyesight isn’t as good as it used to be, you may struggle to see faces on a small telephone screen. Fortunately, other types of electronic devices have larger screens and can support your phone conversations.
You may want to purchase a tablet or laptop specifically for video chatting or if you need to upgrade an older model. Check out online special promotions or discounts offered by various companies, and you can enjoy seeing your favorite people without squinting at a tiny screen. Simplified tablets also make it easier to check emails, view family photos and download and play fun apps like Farmville 2, Jigsaw Puzzle or Angry Birds to help pass the time when you’re feeling lonely.
Download a Conversation Captioning App
Do you have a difficult time understanding what your loved ones say to you when you’re talking on the phone? If so, Hearing Healthcare Associates recommends downloading a conversation captioning app directly onto your phone or tablet. This type of app works by translating real-time phone conversations into captions you can easily read if you’re having a hard time hearing what your family member is saying. Some versions are free, including Clear Captions.
Exchange Photos and Videos
Another great technique for seeing your family members regularly is by exchanging photos and videos by mail or email throughout the week. That way you’ll feel like you’re joining in the fun, and you’ll keep informed of the things going on in each other’s lives. You can do this either on your phone or by connecting through social media. See what your family members are using and what feels most comfortable to you, and go from there.
Staying in touch with the ones you care about most is essential for your emotional health. It’s also important to take care of your physical health by ensuring you have access to the food and transportation you need when your family isn’t around. Aging Services can deliver meals to your home, provide housekeeping services and offer transportation to seniors in need. Connect so you can receive assistance in the same way you utilize technology to communicate regularly with your family during the pandemic.
