Caring from afar: Strategies for supporting older adults during COVID 19
By Emily Mysel LCSW FSG Senior Program Manager
For many older adults during this pandemic, their ability to connect with the outside world has been limited. Over the past two months, older adults, who are residing in independent and assisted living communities and skilled nursing facilities, have had limited social interactions. They have only been able to have direct contact with staff, home health care aides, and other employees in order to protect the safety and well-being of their communities. These safety restrictions have been very difficult for families as they miss their loved ones and find it difficult to help from afar.
Here are some ways to reach out to your loved ones residing in communities:
Write letters and encourage your friends and family to write letters:
Share something on your social media account like “My mom/dad has been in quarantine since March and hasn’t stepped out of her/his apartment. If you have a few minutes and would consider sending a card or note with good wishes it may help to fill all those lonely hours.”
Speak to a staff member (i.e. activities coordinator, social worker) about helping your loved one Facetime or Zoom and discuss ways to incorporate it into their weekly schedule.
For many communities, staff are helping to set up and guide the older adult during the call or are teaching the older adult so he/she can learn to do it independently.
Send care packages of things your loved ones enjoy:
Activities: Sudoku, crossword puzzles, ad libs, word searches, adult coloring books
Food/Treats: hard candy, chocolate, pretzels, cookies
Reminiscing Activities: creating picture albums, music (cds)
Personal Hygiene and Essentials: lotion, hand sanitizer, soap, disinfectant wipes, towel papers, paper towels
Establish and coordinate weekly calls
There are volunteers and agencies that have established weekly calls to seniors. Argentium Senior Connections in Evanston is a weekly friendly call program. For more information contact: Mary Ellen Viskocil, Program Manager, at 847-869-0682.
Rotate between family members and assign them a day to call and check in with your loved one.
Visit outside:
Sit outside your loved one’s window (even if it’s just for 5 minutes).
Put signs outside the window so they have words of encouragement or pictures to look at.
Unfortunately, for some older adults living in communities, they are not able to participate in these activities and that’s why it’s even more essential to check in with the staff and get updates. Collaborate and find ways that you can provide the opportunity be part of your loved one’s life from a distance.
If you have a loved one who resides in a community or an older adult who lives at home and need recommendations and/or support, please contact Emily Mysel, LCSW, Senior Program Manager at 847-835-5111
Emily’s sons visiting their great-grandparents at their independent living community in Wilmette.