Keeping Up With Your Elderly Family While Social Distancing

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, local and federal governments are stressing the importance of social distancing to mitigate the spread of the disease. However, social isolation and loneliness can seriously affect people's mental and physical health, especially if they happen to be elderly. Still, many residential living facilities, retirement homes and nursing homes are restricting visitor access to ensure their residents and staff stay healthy.

If you have a loved one in one of these facilities or simply can't visit them at home right now, there are still plenty of ways to keep in touch.

1. Play Online Games

If your elderly family member has a smartphone and knows how to use it, your family can connect with them in a myriad of ways. This might include challenging them to online games like Scrabble, Words with Friends, Yahtzee, Boggle and even billiards. You can play in real time or throughout the day whenever one of you has the time. If your elderly family member is hip and has video games, playing with them from your own Xbox may also be an option.

2. Video Chat

You might also meet face to face through your phone screens. iPhones come with a built-in Facetime option that is incredibly simple to navigate. However, you might also choose to video chat through Facebook, Zoom Google Hangouts, Skype or even Snapchat if the grandparents happen to have the app. Schedule a time to chat as often as you'd like and have the whole family join in on the call.

3. Learn a Family Recipe

Thanks to social distancing, you probably have a lot of time on your hands. Why not use an hour or two to learn a family recipe from your parents or grandparents? Gather the ingredients and let them instruct you on how to make it either over the phone or a video chat. They can even make the recipe along with you. Make it a friendly competition of who's looks better. Of course, you'll still have to wonder who won the taste test.

4. Learn a New Skill Together

Additionally, you could learn a new life skill or hobby together. Maybe neither of you ever got round to learning how to knit. Now's the perfect time to learn. Grab all the yarn — or order some online if you don't have any on hand — and video chat while you learn. Show off your fancy scarves, hats and even sweaters as you become pro knitters. You can even gift your creations to other family members to brighten their day.

5. Schedule a Family Movie Night

Go to the movies — at home! Have a family movie night and include everyone from the youngest to the oldest with video chat. Have everyone gather the snacks, popcorn and soda in their own prospective homes. Then, chat through Netflix Party, a Google Chrome extension that lets you watch movies together and message each other simultaneously. The best part is the extension is totally free.

6. Make a Phone Call

If your elderly family member isn't tech-savvy and doesn't have someone at home to help them set up video chats, simply give them a good old-fashioned ring. Have your kids call them once a week to share updates and call them yourself every few days just to check in and say hi. They'll appreciate the conversation, especially if they live alone. Plus, it'll help you stay up-to-date on their health status and ensure they stay safe during the pandemic.

7. Write a Letter

You could also go even more old-school and send letters to your parents and grandparents. Remind them with your words how much you love and miss them and update them on your self-care habits. Let your kids or maybe even your pets get involved, too! Gather up all the glitter, fingerpaints, markers and stamps and let them go at it. Cover the envelopes in stickers and send them to your family members. They'll be so surprised and overjoyed to receive them.

8. Read a Book Together

Another way to fill your time and bond with your elderly family member is to read a book together. Pick out a book online and order two copies — one for you and one for them. Plan to read a chapter a day or every other day and schedule time to talk about the book as you both make your way through it. This will give you both something to look forward to and discuss in the monotony of life in quarantine.

9. Send a Gift

Another great way to remind your elderly family that you're thinking of them is to send them a thoughtful gift. Fuzzy socks, a warm blanket and even flowers all make for comforting, heartwarming gifts. However, you might take your crafting skills up a notch and create a gift yourself. Invite your kids to join as you make a calendar, a photo album or another personalized item to surprise them. Send it out in the mail when you're all finished.

10. Wave from Outside

The Center for Disease Control recommends you keep at least six feet between you and other people. However, they never said anything about standing a few inches away from windowpanes. As long as your state is allowing non-essential drives, head over to your family member's residence, stand outside their window and share a smile. Just ensure the window stays shut and keep your visit brief. Bring homemade signs and posters with loving messages to brighten their day. And blow a kiss as you leave.

Stay Positive

Above all, remember this situation is temporary. As with all things, this, too, shall pass. And, once it does, you'll be able to hug and kiss your loved ones again. But, until then, keep your distance and find new ways to connect and send your love their way. Together, you'll all emerge from this crisis with a bond stronger than ever.