4 ways to stay in touch with senior loved ones

Posted: 11/30/2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges for families hoping to stay in touch with high-risk loved ones. Those who are 65 or older, or who live in assisted living or senior care facilities, have been listed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as high-risk for the virus. For most families, keeping senior loved ones safe from infection means not having in-person visits and finding other ways to stay in touch.  Here are some safe and creative ways to stay in touch with your senior loved ones during this challenging time.

1. Have video calls- Apps like FaceTime, Skype, Zoom and WhatsApp allow families to communicate via video calls. Most of these apps and platforms are free to download on computers and other mobile devices. 
2. Plan a window visit- During these visits, family members stay outside and chat with their loved one on the phone or bring handmade signs with messages.
3. Write letters-Sending mail is still an option, and it can give anyone an extra boost to receive a card or gift in the mail.
4. Increase phone calls- As we continue to practice social distancing phone calls are an easy way to stay in the loop on their health needs and prevent feelings of loneliness.