Guest Post by Geoffrey Schaefer

How to Remain Connected to Loved Ones
Living in a Long-Term Care Facility
By Geoffrey Schaefer, MSW, LCSW
 
During this COVID-19 pandemic, many loved ones are currently isolated from their families. With stay at home orders and social distancing guidelines, most of us are feeling, bored, isolated and disconnected. But for those elderly who reside in Long-Term Care (LTC) Facilities, they are really feeling the pinch of isolation and loneliness.
 
Here are a few my thoughts on breaking down the barriers of social isolation in LTC facilities:

1. Let’s go back to old school ways of communication. Write letters and send post cards. Call your loved ones via telephones and cell phones. Many LTC are not set up for virtual communication technologies and many elderly folks are too intimated by using them.
2. Be creative on how you can visit them; call the LTC and ask them how they are promoting safe social distancing visitation. Ask if they can provide masks and other protective clothing. Visit through windows or drive by in cars. Make banners and present them to your loved ones.
3. Send care packages to your loved ones. Send photos, mementos of love, their favorite snacks and desserts. Ask them what they need and send that to them.
4. Once the facility grants visitation with your loved one, please practice safe hygiene. Take your temperature and if you have a fever, please refrain from visiting them. Use Personal Protective Equipment (masks, gowns, etc.…). Usually the LTC will inform you of their guidelines and hopefully they will provide you those supplies but be prepared to bring your own. Wash hands or use sanitizer prior to and after the visit.
5. Lastly, call the LTC and ask them to set up virtual ways to visit your loved one. Ask them to assist the loved one with the video chat. This will ease the frustration level of the elderly.

During COVID-19 pandemic, we all can be creative with how we can be social. For those living in an LTC, socialization is an important part of their well-being.  We all in our community must help each other during this unprecedented time. Through helping and caring for each other, we will get through this!

I will finish with this thought:
            “At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think, with deep gratitude, of those who have lighted the flame within us.”
— Albert Schweitzer

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