Covid, Christmas and the Elderly

Covid, Christmas and the Elderly

This holiday season is presenting challenges to families unlike anything we’ve seen in recent decades. This is the time of year that families plan gatherings and parties with friends and loved ones, but with a dramatic rise on Covid-19 cases across the country, many families are going to have to reconsider how they spend time with loved ones outside of their own home.

This year, holiday gatherings are going to require some additional planning, especially when it comes to loved ones we can’t see in person. It’s important, especially for the most vulnerable among us, our elderly friends and family members, that we find ways to prevent them from feeling isolated and stay connected in spite of current circumstances. Getting in the holiday spirit is vital to both our mental and physical well being, and you should pay special attention to finding ways to actively connect with them and help them to feel included in holiday activities for a covid safe holiday.

Below are ways to connect and include family members and friends outside of your home this holiday season.

• Virtual celebrations. Possibly one of the easiest ways to safely connect with loved ones is through virtual contact. This can be done through video chat apps readily available for free online. Many smartphones come with these apps already installed, like FaceTime, but those can be specific to the type of phone you have. Apps like Skype and Zoom are also great and can be used on both smart devices and desktop or laptop computers.
• As restrictions have started to ease up in NC, many assisted living and long term care facilities are allowing what is called “compassionate care visits” which are 90 minute visits allowed once a week. If you choose to use this opportunity to spend time with your elderly loved ones, please be sure to follow CDC guidelines and wear a mask and wash your hands regularly. It is also best to refrain from hugging and kissing, and keeping a 6 foot distance is recommended if possible. Doing these things not only keeps your loved one safe, but others also living in the care center as well.
• Visit outside. Having conversations through closed windows or screen doors may not be the most ideal way to visit with your elderly loved one, but it does allow them to see you face to face while keeping them safe at the same time. That face to face contact means more to them than just about anything, and may very well be the thing that keeps them from feeling so isolated and alone during the holidays.

The holidays this year just aren’t going to be the same without grandma and grandpa, but these elderly family members are at the highest risk of becoming very ill, or worse, from Covid-19. It’s up to us to do everything we can to keep them safe, while also keeping them connected to family and friends.

The holidays might feel quite different this year, but we’re in this together. At Jurney’s Assisted Living, our residents are like family to us, and you can rest assured knowing we are doing everything possible to keep them safe, with services like on site physician and therapy care. Contact us with questions or to request more information.