One of the most difficult parts of self-quarantine is the pain of missing our loved ones.
That holds especially true for those with family members living in independent, assisted or skilled nursing facilities, as they are prohibiting visitors and only allowing in essential workers such as doctors, nurses and therapists. However, there are ways to stay connected and show them that you care, says Rose Glamoclija, RN, owner and administrator or Boca Nursing Services, Inc., in Boca Raton.
“It is very difficult for the clients who do not have private caregivers to deal with this isolation,” she says. “Since the communities do not have any social activities or dining in the dining room, the elderly, particularly those with dementia, do not understand the reason that their lives have changed so drastically. This, in turn, can cause anxiety and depression and increase fear.”
There are several options to stay connected, Glamoclija says:
- Frequent calls from family or friends can make all the difference in cheering them up, making them feel loved and decreasing the feeling of isolation.
- Hire a private caregiver who is allowed to go into these communities for several hours per day to provide companionship, chores, shopping, errands, medication reminders, medication refills, daily temperature checks, communication with primary care doctor, or simply watch a movie with them or structure their day for them. “Caregivers can encourage them to go out on the balcony, go out into the garden as long as they are observing social distancing,” Glamoclija says. “Caregivers can show them how to communicate via Facetime so that they can see their loved ones, including children and grandchildren.”
- Send care packages with their favorite snacks, packs of playing cards, books, etc. Include photos of family members to cheer them up; for residents with dementia or memory problems, this will help them keep you front of mind. Lovely notes or flowers are great ideas, too.
For more information, visit bocanursing.com.