COVID-19 and Senior Loneliness: Tips for Decreasing Social Isolation

By: VGFS
Sunday, April 19, 2020

Senior isolation has long been an issue in the United States. Even before stay at home orders and social distancing policies were enacted to curtail the spread of COVID-19, many of America’s senior citizens have been grappling with feelings of chronic loneliness.

Under today’s stringent new guidelines for social interaction, which is particularly rigorous for the vulnerable elderly population and those in nursing facilities, the issue has become even more problematic. If an aging loved one is struggling with isolation issues, there are a number of things that can help combat these feelings. In this article, we’ve compiled some smart ways you can remain connected and show how much you care.

Check in regularly. Contact your elderly relative as often as you can throughout the week via phone or video chat, if possible. Does he or she have enough food, household goods, and cleaning products? Even if their cupboards and fridge are sufficiently full, consider dropping off a special treat or basket of goodies.

Send a snail mail greeting. Older family members and friends are likely to appreciate handwritten cards and letters more than any other age group. When they feel lonely or blue, re-reading the correspondence can provide a needed pick-me-up and a reminder of how much you care.

Enjoy a virtual meal together. Order up—and pay for—a tasty repast for the two of you to share. What type of cuisine does your loved one prefer? Choose some indulgent Italian cuisine or down-home southern barbeque through a meal delivery service such as Doordash or Grubhub. When it arrives, call your loved one so you can chat during the meal. Make sure he or she knows how to use the speakerphone feature on the cellphone or landline phone so the dining experience can be its most enjoyable.

Encourage your loved one to help others. Using a skill to assist others can provide rewarding feelings of purpose at any age. Knitting, crocheting, hand or machine-sewing are all skills that are in demand right now. Older generations are often experts at these kinds of crafts, so it’s a wonderful time to put those talents to good use. MakeVictoryMasks.org and the Knitting Guild are just two of the many organizations that are seeking volunteers to make masks, blankets, hats and more.  

Order a jigsaw puzzle. If your loved one is a puzzle lover, have one delivered that’s suitable for his or her abilities. While some contain 2,000 or more pieces, there are also jigsaw puzzles available with as few as 15 pieces, which might work well for individuals with dementia, reduced vision, or less dexterity. Mail order companies exist that specialize in custom puzzles from photographs, so consider having one created using a shot of your entire family.  

Use the internet to travel. Does your loved one have a smartphone or access to the internet? If so, they can take a free virtual trip to almost anywhere in the world.  Museums, tourist sites, national parks, other countries and cities are all just a click away.  Check out Travel and Leisure’s Twelve Famous Museum Tours, for example.

Connect them to religious services. Mass gatherings are banned for now, but many Baltimore-area churches and places of worship are still holding services online. If your loved one is a member of a specific house of worship, check to see if they’re streaming their religious services. Encourage your senior to tune in if they’re able. If that’s not an option, many radio and TV stations also air religious services.

Remember, we are all in this together. The COVID-19 pandemic may ultimately serve to deepen connections between generations and across communities. For now, do what you can to help your elderly loved one to remain healthy, active and involved.

If you have concerns about senior isolation during the COVID-19 crisis or want to learn more about how you can help a loved one, please contact us. Our compassionate, caring team is always available and happy to assist.

About Vaughn Greene Funeral Services: For more than 20 years, Vaughn Greene Funeral Services has been providing a ministry of care to Baltimore’s African American community. As a leading local, minority- and family-owned provider, we promise to provide our highest level of service and respect to families who entrust us to honor their loved one. For more information, please call us at 410.655.0015 or visit us online at https://vaughncgreene.com/.

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

The Rules of Visitation Etiquette: Eight Tips for Being a Polite Funeral Guest

When attending a funeral or memorial service, it's crucial to understand the protocols, including proper visitation etiquette. Funeral visitations and wakes can be emotionally taxing, but they off...

National Craft Month: How Tapping Into Your Creative Side Helps Your Mental Health

March is National Craft Month and studies show a strong connection between our mental health and our creativity. The benefits of crafting range from decreased stress, improved brain productivity,...

A Practical Guide to Selecting Burial Clothes with Love and Reverence

Choosing burial clothes for a loved one can be a tender act of remembrance and profound significance. Navigating loss is a challenging experience on many levels. Despite the weight of grief, numer...

Ten Easy, Creative Ways to Add More Produce to Your Diet

Few things can enhance health and wellness like striving to add more produce to your diet. Bursting with essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, produce is nature's gift to our bodi...

Your Guide to Understanding Cremation: Seven Fascinating Myths and the Truth Behind Them

Understanding cremation reveals countless misconceptions about the ancient practice. Cremation has been around for centuries but it remains surrounded by mystery. You might be surprised to know th...

Reflecting on Black History Month, The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion

During Black History Month, we celebrate African Americans and the role they have played in building this country, as well as recognize their achievements. Diversity and inclusion are essential in...

Need an Alternative to Traditional Funeral Flowers? Here are Eight Smart Options.

Eco-friendly alternatives to traditional funeral flowers have emerged as a growing trend in end-of-life services. As more people become conscious of their environmental impact, they are seeking wa...

Winter Heart Attacks: Why They’re More Common and How to Avoid Them

The colder months bring more than just frosty weather—they also bring a greater chance of winter heart attacks. The winter season is usually associated with cozy blankets, warm fires, and snowy ou...

Condolence Messages: How to Find the Right Words at a Difficult Time

It’s very common to have a hard time finding the right words when composing condolence messages. Whether you are posting to an online sympathy board or sending your condolences by mail, knowing wh...

Looking to Celebrate Martin Luther King Day 2024? Here Are Five Inspiring Ideas.

Martin Luther King Day is an annual celebration of Dr. King’s immeasurable contributions. Celebrated in the United States on the third Monday of January, the holiday is a time when the nation paus...