Senior citizens have always dealt with a long list of challenges, and the pandemic has made that list even longer. These days loneliness is a major problem among the elderly who live alone, and even the elderly who are together in care centers, where visitations are often being limited as part of various lockdown measures.
If you want to make sure that your elderly relatives or some other senior citizen you care for doesn’t feel lonely, there are steps you can take to help them out. And it’s worth your effort, since helping your relatives feel happier and less alone can do wonders for their health, just like vitamin supplements and CBD concentrates do.
Here are some tips you can try out to help your elderly relatives feel less lonely.
1 - Help them get online
Technology has become a crucial tool in helping people connect with each other while socially distancing. And if the relative you care for isn’t very good with technology, there are ways to make it work without requiring too much tech-savviness on their end.
Namely, you can help them out through the use of remote access and remote-control software, which allows you to see their computer screen, and control their keyboard and mouse. You’ll still need to access their computer in person to set all of this up, but once it’s ready, all your relative has to do is turn on the computer. You’ll be able to access their machine and get them onto a Zoom call or any other video conference yourself.
This type of remote-control software is available both on PCs and phones, and it is most commonly used by IT technicians to provide support from a distance.
2 - Create routines
It may be tempting to get in touch with your relatives only when you remember to do so, or whenever you feel like it. And while there is value in unexpected calls and messages, having a regular contact schedule gives your relative something to look forward to. If when they hang up the call they know for certain that they’ll hear from you again before dinner or at the same time tomorrow, it reduces uncertainty and can help stave off feelings of loneliness.
Remember, feeling lonely isn’t just caused by physically being in an empty space. It comes from a sense of disconnection, which is why people can feel alone even in the middle of crowds. Regular check-ups help reinforce a feeling of connection, which constantly reminds the other person that you care for them.
3 - Encourage them to get involved in different activities
Boredom can also highlight feelings of loneliness, which is why it’s a good idea to help your elderly relative engage in activities they enjoy as much as possible. You can help them out by providing them movies or series to watch, or by getting them the tools and materials they need to engage in the hobby they enjoy.
If they are social distancing as part of a group — in a retirement home for example — it’s good to encourage them to take part in group activities. Even if they don’t have that much fun during the activities, getting some face time with other people is generally a good thing.