Our new normal with the Coronavirus implies being extra careful on celebrations and family dinners. Since the risk for severe illness with COVID-19 increases with age and certain health conditions, older adults are at the highest risk.
Families will have to make decisions about what kind of precautions to take when celebrating the holidays.
Although it may not be possible to visit your senior family members at the living facility in the usual way because of their vulnerability, you can schedule an outdoor visit, if possible, before or after the holidays following all the guidelines.
However, while we continue to support the governments’ initiative of containing the epidemic through social distancing, we are lucky to live in the age of advanced technology that enables us to stay in touch.
With the current technology innovations, we have many ways of staying connected with our senior family members. Getting in touch with them through technology makes them feel motivated and valued. Technology makes them realize that physical distancing does not mean that their loved ones have forgotten about them, on the contrary, they are treasured family members.
Here are some more ways you can connect with your loved ones just in time for the holidays.
Video Calls
You can use platforms like Zoom, Skype, Facetime, and Houseparty to see participants and communicate during the celebration. Take advantage of it, by showing your senior loved one everything that’s going on during the party.
Holiday Gifts
Giving presents might not be possible on a video call, but the good news is that you can mail the presents beforehand and ensure that your loved one will receive them just in time to see its reaction.
New traditions
The most important aspect of celebrating the holidays virtually is that your loved ones feel that they are a part of the celebration, this can be hard if the rest of the family is together sharing in one place.
A great way to include everyone is by doing activities like singing carols, playing games, revisiting fun old memories, dancing, and sharing meals.
If you’re unable to see your loved one during the holidays, plan ahead and make sure whether it’s at home or in a senior living healthcare community, every family member will have a great time.
[ Also Read: Myths And Facts About Assisted Living ]
About Bridgeway Care and Rehabilitation
Since 1981, Bridgeway Care and Rehabilitation has been committed to providing a continuum of comprehensive services to patients and residents no matter where they are in life. Since quality measures have been reported, its facilities have consistently achieved a CMS 5-Star rating for Registered Nursing, Licensed Nursing, Certified Nursing Staff, and Quality of Care. Bridgeway has received Newsweek’s and U.S. News & World Report’s Best Nursing Homes awards. In 2020, it was recognized as one of the Top WorkPlaces in New Jersey. To learn more, visit www.BSHCare.com.
