Tips for families and friends with quarantined loved ones in senior living
By: Lindsay Levesque, Customer Success Manager
March 31, 2020
During a time of uncertainty, senior living operators are looking to a variety of ways to keep their residents engaged and positive. By now, we’ve all seen the viral posts of grandkids visiting outside of the window and even impromptu performances for senior living residents who are quarantined inside — making the decision to lock down a community during COVID-19 and prevent families from seeing their loved ones is not a decision taken lightly. Sustaining resident communication with family and friends outside of the community is essential to resident well-being during this crisis and operators have quickly pivoted to alternative ways to build and maintain these connections.
The K4Community Family App does just that.
It allows for a secure, cost-free connection to those that matter most. It keeps families connected to their loved ones and allows for direct updates from the community operations team ensuring families are constantly informed.
Now, more than ever, we are seeing the K4Community Family App fulfill its purpose. Whether families prefer sending a quick message to say, “Hello, I’m thinking about you”, or opt for a more personal connection through a video chat, there are multiple ways to connect with loved ones from the comfort of their homes.
“The best way to cheer yourself up, is to try to cheer somebody else up.” — Mark Twain
To help families get the most out of these features as circumstances in the world continue to evolve, we’ve created some helpful tips to keep resident interactions consistent and even have a little fun:
- Consider scheduled calls so your resident family member knows when to expect you. This gives them something to look forward to and prevents anxiety associated with unexpected behavior, specifically if they’re more familiar with routine and structure.
- Opt for a change of scenery, showing your loved one a piece of nature or the outdoors. This is particularly important for residents who are isolating in their apartments.
- Remind them of particular Alexa features. Other than the enhanced communication functionality such as the COVID hotline, an Alexa can also help lighten the mood by playing music or sharing jokes.
- Reminisce on a favorite memory and use video chat to share old photos or other memorabilia from home.
- Include your little ones! While the kids are at home, don’t forget to include them in video chats! They bring a particular spunk to the day and sharing that energy through a video chat can be contagious.
- Don’t forget to take things one day at a time, prepping for the future when it’s unknown can be frustrating. When you’re in your golden years, it’s all about the journey. Today matters.
When working in the field, it was often said to me that it means so much more to be able to see mom, rather than just hearing her voice. It is hard to explain exactly what it is but, it’s definitely easier to be empathetic when you can see the other person’s emotions. As a family member of loved ones in communities, I now understand that feeling, too. When something as simple as checking in on mom or dad isn’t so simple anymore, being able to experience their expressions through a video call is incredibly valuable.
Finally, I’d like to share a personal note, below. This was provided directly to us by one of our member’s families on the true value behind a simple engagement.
While I Love my Bride Linda and will miss seeing her each day, I applaud your decisions and without reservation, support then. You are in my prayers as you follow the guidance of our most Holy Father..
P.S. I hope you will continue your willingness to allow us to talk to our Loved ones on the telephone. I was able to hear Linda’s “giggle” during my call to her today. It meant the world to me. – A K4Community Family
For more COVID-19 resources, visit our landing page at K4Connect.com/COVID-19.
