this is a collaborative post.
We are all going through strange times right now and finding alternative ways to keep in touch with elderly relatives. at the moment my grandparents are isolating in their home and have been since the start of the current pandemic. They’ve been enjoying their garden but as my grandad has copd they are staying home to shield. Adam’s nan is in a care home and just before this started was given a mobile phone for family to keep in touch as the care home she resides in closed it’s doors before lockdown officially began.
I’m really glad we can keep in touch with our grandparents through phone conversations, letters, facetime calls and a quick wave through the window as we walk past for exercise. I know that we can make up for this lost time in a few months and make the most of spending time together again. A quick text, a chat or a wave whilst dropping off groceries can make a difference and add a bit of connection right now that we are all craving.
It did get me thinking about those that are without family and are at home, alone. my grandparents are together and have some adult interaction from each other as well as the grandkids and my mum saying hello. My uncle lives across the road so can easily drop things off to my nan if she needs them, they have outdoor space and technology connects us too. through facebook my nan can see what we’re all doing, I can share video clips and photos of the great grandchildren with them. It’s harder with adam’s nan as she’s in a home and doesn’t have the same access but we are going to send a few photos in the post and she has daily contact with carers.
Those that are without this support network and feeling vulnerable may have the odd chat on the phone but isolating is still pretty lonely without proper human connection. There are many ways to access a bit of care, companionship and help even during this current crisis and Country Cousins offers such assistance with their live in care workers. A live in carer would probably be incredibly helpful in this situation particularly for people on their own that struggle a bit with their mobility and don’t have a huge support network. It’s not only someone to take care of more specialised needs but also someone to have a cuppa with and watch a bit of tele with or have a chat with. It’s that human interaction that right now we all want with our friends and family.
I know i would want to ensure my family had someone looking out for them and right now we are doing our best to stay in contact regularly. Live in care can act as another peace of mind for families that aren’t so close, knowing that their elderly relatives are being looked after. We are all trying to do our part by protecting the vulnerable and elderly right now and i’m so thankful that technology enables us to do that easily.
Leave a Reply