If there is one thing we as a society have learned over the last several weeks, it’s the importance of human relationship and connection. Fortunately, we live in a digital world that allows for face to face social connection via Facetime, Zoom, Skype, etc. but there is nothing quite like wrapping your arms around a friend or loved one. The physical aspect of a relationship was overlooked by most until it was no longer an option due to isolation. Touch from a loved one releases hormones within your body that hold many health benefits both mentally, emotionally, and physically.
Although restrictions are beginning to be lifted and we are starting to see a “light at the end of the COVID tunnel”, there will be a physical touch hesitation for quite a bit longer, specifically with your elderly loved ones. While social distancing does not have to mean self-isolation, we encourage you to find a safe, healthy balance for all parties involved when reconnecting. Below are a few tips and suggestions to take into consideration as we ease back into a new normal.
Whether it’s due to increased time on our hands, our human desire for connection, or simply or a level of compassion pushing us to check in on others, COVID has opened doors to relationships that have not always gotten the attention they deserve. For example: grandchildren Facetiming grandparents weekly to check in on them, calling the elderly neighbors down the street to see if they need anything, and checking on distant relatives that we know live alone, etc. Isolation has led us to be very intentional about our communication and connection with others. As restrictions are lifted and we are able to find a new normal to our everyday lives, we encourage you to remain intentional with those relationships. The beauty found within a tragedy like this is learning what and who is truly important to you. We encourage you to continue those digital touches as you ease back into society.
While you may be craving to go out and see everyone you have missed so much over the last few weeks, we recommend you maintain a level of precaution, particularly with your elderly loved ones. The elderly are still more at risk than the rest of the population, so be mindful of your visits. Keeping your distance, as painful as it may be, is an act of love. Start off with an outdoor outing or safe activity where you can maintain a safe distance but enjoy good conversation. Keep your visits shorter than you typically would, and not quite as frequent. Schedule out visits and activities so your senior has something to look forward to.
There are many safe activities that allow you to keep your distance and still have a good time, both in person and digitally. It is important to simply judge the risks involved and weigh them with the benefits of engaging with others. A park lunch date with your healthy parents may be okay while the same outing with your immune system compromised elderly neighbor may not.
While we are ready to re-engage, others simply may not be ready or may be unable to. Encourage those loved ones to stay social by digital forms of activities such as gaming apps like Words with Friends, or a good game of trivia, or even watch a movie together through Netflix’s party feature.
If your loved one resides at a nursing home or assisted living community, stay connected with the staff so you know what is and is not allowed and be willing to get creative. Some ideas include window visits, safe distance hallway bingo or trivia, and book studies. All of these are possible with or without visitation restrictions and ensure your loved one will remain safe.
The impacts of COVID have stretched and tested our relationships and their capacities. Now that we as a society have come face to face with the importance of human connection, we hope that the new normal that emerges from this tragedy includes an adjusted priority that places focus on what really matters.
In summary, be intentional as you ease back into things and start reconnecting with safe activities!
Author: A. Dugas
5/17/2020
Camelot Senior Living
http://camelotseniorliving.com/