Staying connected while practicing social distancing

As the world works to contain the COVID-19 outbreak, we’re all adjusting day by day to its impact on our ways of life. In the United States, many of the things we took for granted as recently as a week or two ago are gone for the moment and an unknown number of moments to come. Restaurants and bars are closed in most cities. Many gyms and movie theaters are shuttered. Concerts and sports are on hold indefinitely. Even the city that never sleeps has pulled down the shades. 

Social distancing is necessary to slow the spread of this deadly virus. By implementing it everywhere, we’re doing the right thing to help flatten the curve. Still, it’s incredibly tough. After all, we’re social creatures. We’re designed to be with each other. All the steps we’re taking to keep us apart go against our very nature to come together.

In a lot of ways, we’re all getting a taste of what it’s like every day for many seniors who live alone. For them, social distancing is, and has been, the norm. And for far too many, it’s morphed into social isolation, which can have huge mental and physical impacts on a person of any age.

The uneasiness, loneliness and helplessness that many of us are feeling now will eventually pass. For socially isolated seniors, however, this pandemic has the potential to amplify the impact on their already-fragile situations. We can’t let that happen.

If you have older relatives, friends or neighbors, take the time to check in with them regularly. I’m not talking about shooting off a text message. That’s not enough. Call them or, better yet, connect via video chat if they have the tools to do so. Intuitive technology, such as FaceTime and tools built specifically for seniors like GrandPad, make it simple to stay in touch and can stand in for the face-to-face interaction we all crave. When you do get them on the line, give them your full attention. Listen to their stories. Ask questions. Offer assistance. Let them know you’re there for them. Every interaction you can have with them is like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds.

As the leader of a company that provides essential services for seniors in their homes, raising awareness of and working to prevent the detrimental effects of social isolation have been top of mind for years. Our CAREGivers are, in many cases, that daily ray of sunshine for our clients. And while we can provide that light for those we serve, the need extends far beyond the reach of our network. Now more than ever, it’s imperative that we all look out for each other.

Today, we can all make at least one phone call to connect with a senior. Think about how many older adults we can bring smiles to if we all check in on our neighbors and loved ones. Need some inspiration? Check out Ready to Care for ideas to help bring joy to the seniors in your life.

Regardless of your age, it is also vitally important to seek your own renewal during this time. You must take care of yourself so that you can take care of your family and others in your community. Also, stay informed of the facts through trusted sources like the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Information is a powerful antidote for fear.

Finally, stay calm. Calm is contagious, and a source of strength for you and those around you.

We may be physically distant for now, but we are all in this together. And we will get through this together. If you have other thoughts about how we can stay connected and help out in our communities during this difficult time, please leave a comment. Stay safe and stay healthy.