The pandemic has put a strain on a lot of relationships. So many people are being cautious and physically staying away from loved ones. The elderly especially are having less in person contact with family and friends. Although it is very hard to replace what hugs provide, we all need to stay connected to cope. The following list was made in order to find more creative ways to interact with others while staying socially distant.
Last Updated: 12/22/2020
1) Write Letters Back and Forth
Technology can be great, but sometimes a simple note can make a huge impact. “Kick it old school” and become pen pals with a loved one. This is a good option for older people who are not fans of technology. Your kids can get involved, too. They can color or draw pictures. It is a great activity for them during the cold weather months.
2) Use the Caribu App
Are your kids sick of Zoom or FaceTime? The Caribu App adds some fun to video calling. It is like FaceTime but with the ability to read books and play games together. It is FREE for certain books/games. We have a hard time getting my kids to engage with loved ones on the phone as much as they interact with people in person. This app has allowed my son to play tic tac toe with his grandma instead of just staring at a screen. For more information on this app, check their website out. https://caribu.com
3) Give a Visual Symbol of Support
I have been trying to think of a way to make a daily impact on my loved ones who are alone a lot. I came up with the idea to create weekly envelopes with treats, memories, inside jokes, words of inspiration, pictures, and more. The hope is that frequent reminders of better times and of things that make them happy will help loved ones cope with the physical isolation. If that gift idea is too time consuming, maybe think of one item that they can have close to them every day as a visual symbol of his or her support system. Items like a necklace or figurine work well.
4) Set up to Zoom/Facetime at a Meal Time
Normal routines have been shattered by the pandemic. We are limited on where we can go and who we can see. By agreeing to FaceTime around a meal time or certain time of day, it sets a new routine that gives loved ones something to look forward to.
5) Start a New Hobby/Read a Book/ Start a TV Series Together
When people are a part of a group activity, they feel less isolated and more driven. Productivity can also make a person feel good about themselves while passing the time. Have you always wanted to learn to sew? Maybe you have an older loved one who can teach you how. Another idea is to pick a certain author or book genre to read together. You can swap books and discuss what you think of them.