Tens of thousands of Americans have already died of COVID-19, the disease the novel coronavirus causes. It’s a virus mired in uncertainty and wrapped in terror. No one can give clear, specific answers about what to expect — when things will get better, whether there will be a cure before a vaccine, whether any single person has been exposed to the virus, or how sick they will become if they catch it. It’s enough to make everyone feel anxious. There are no Magic 8 Balls here. No one knows what the future holds. After all, no one could have predicted that most of us would spend the first half of 2020 in self-imposed lockdown. Given the pace at which the virus has spread, we can make some broad predictions about what senior living residents in Canton, Georgia, can expect for the rest of 2020.
What to Expect
Georgia has been a hot spot for the spread of COVID-19. Even when widespread social distancing measures were implemented, even when the governor ordered people to shelter in place, the disease continued to spread. This may be because some people disregarded the order, because so many essential workers continued to be exposed, or because the virus was already widespread in the community — we just don’t know and will need significant public health data before anyone can know for certain why Georgia has suffered so much. Here’s what we anticipate in the coming months:
- Though things may improve in some places, others will become hot spots. Some areas of the state may be relatively disease-free, while others continue to struggle.
- Social distancing will be a key predictor of the extent to which the disease spreads. That means that the more people stay home, the more they will slow the course of the virus.
- Until there is a vaccine or a treatment, we will continue to have to be mindful.
- Senior living communities can be hotbeds of transmission because people live in close quarters. That means that residents may need to take additional precautions.
Staying Connected
To put it simply, the news isn’t good. But remaining socially distanced is a vastly superior option to the alternative: getting COVID, becoming excruciatingly ill, and potentially dying. Isolation is temporary. Death is not.
You can stay connected while remaining safe if you’re willing to be creative. Try these tips:
- Visit one another through glass. Window or car visits with the windows rolled up while talking on your mobile phone can be ideal.
- Send letters, cards, and presents. Mail can feel magical, particularly in a world where mail is increasingly rare.
- Schedule video chats. They might not be the same as an in-person visit, but they retain much of the charm.
- Remain connected on social media. Keeping up with acquaintances there can mimic some of the in-person interactions you once got at the grocery store or park.
- Consider teletherapy. A virtual therapist can help you put your emotions in context and grapple with the challenging realities of isolation.
Avoiding Boredom
When you can’t go out, it’s easy to find the same old surroundings boring, even if you once loved them. The key is to find something to look forward to each day. Schedule special events — a call with the grandkids, a delivery from the local plant store, or a drive-by visit with a friend. This gives each day some structure, preventing the time from running together into a boring blob.
Running out of things to do? Here are some options for meaningful fun at home:
- Gardening. Try building an indoor garden that includes succulents, orchids, and other houseplants.
- Mastering a new skill. YouTube is filled with experts sharing their knowledge with the world. Sharpen your language skills. Learn to sing. Tackle a new instrument.
- Virtual concerts. Some of the world’s greatest performers are now offering virtual concerts. Look up your favorites and see what they have on the calendar.
- Crafting. You now have enough time to make just about anything — and to learn how to make things you never thought you would. Pick up knitting, crocheting, or woodworking. Make new decor for your home. Make jewelry and send it to loved ones. Or sew masks for frontline responders.
- Log it all. Start a blog or social media page for sharing your quarantine experience.
- Home cleaning and remodeling. Now’s a great time to focus on making your space perfect. Invest in new linens. Paint the walls. Do a deep cleaning. Ensure that your home is ready to entertain visitors when this is over.
- Cooking. You can’t go out to eat anymore, so bring the dining experience to your home. Experiment with new recipes until you find a few you love. Then look forward to wowing your friends and family when this disaster ends.
Being in quarantine does not have to mean feeling alone or bored. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore feelings of isolation. Loneliness feels awful and can fundamentally undermine your health. So reach out to other members of your community, to staff, or to your family if you’re struggling.