Coronavirus: tips for how to keep in touch with your elders

As a safety precaution, it is best to keep your distance from the elderly. But it's hard not to see your loved ones. It is therefore imperative to check up on them, and make sure they are well. Here are some solutions.

Any possible way to keep in touch with the elderly

Some seniors are on the cutting edge of technology. They have a computer, smartphone or tablet, and know how to use it very well. In these cases, nothing could be simpler, they can be contacted on FaceTime, or sent messages on Messenger or WhatsApp, or talked to on Skype... We all have to try and give our elders a little attention every day.

This way, time goes by quicker, they are able to think about other things, and above all, they then feel less anxious. Because it is not easy for anyone to stay locked up all day long. One tends to overthink, get bored, and it is hard to concentrate on anything else. Especially when you're alone. When it comes to us, we feel reassured to know that our loved ones are well.

For elderly people who are less inclined to technology, don't panic! You can turn to a sure thing: the landline. You can call your grandmother, tell her about your day, what you’re reading, what’s happening at work... And above all, don't talk about the coronavirus. She's probably already been watching the news non-stop since she woke up, there's no need to add more. You can also talk about which movies she shouldn’t be watching during the coronavirus outbreak.

Confinement is also an occasion to bring out your best stationery and your favourite pen. Let the writer inside you be free. Remember to wash your hands before writing, because Covid-19 can stay on surfaces.

Who doesn't like to receive a letter in their mailbox? Good news, the mail is still being delivered. If our elders want to reply, they can ask a neighbour to mail the letter for them.

How to keep in touch with our elders in retirement homes and assisted living

On the 11th of March, the French government ordered the cessation of visits to assisted living homes in France. A hard blow for everyone. In many cases, residents are already weakened and rely heavily on visits. They can then feel a strong sense of abandonment and isolation. The same goes for retirement homes. Fortunately, the staff is getting organised.

Many assisted living centres are going to put the mail system back in place. It will then be possible to send letters to relatives again. Others will also install Skype, and create a clear schedule so that people know when to call.

Finally, some establishments are planning to put a blog online to keep families informed. But they are under no obligation to do so. It is, therefore, better to call them to find out about the various actions put in place to combat the isolation of residents.

The most important thing is to keep in touch with your loved ones!

For more details, see the video at the top of the article.