Staying connected with loved ones is important for everyone. Fortunately, with today’s technology, this is easier than ever. Here are our tips for staying connected over this year’s holiday season.

Visit

Go in person if you can, but follow all the rules that will be posted for visitors. Don’t go if you’re feeling unwell, and keep your mask on.

Computer Skills

Now would be a great time to help any seniors with their computer skills. People can learn new skills at any age, and computers and tablets can be set up to make it easy to find the few apps someone is looking for such as email or internet. It’s possible on Facebook, for example, to set up a private group that is just for your family. Then, even if a senior does not want to spend any other time on that site, it’s an easy way to hear news of friends and see photos.

Schedule

Connect with your loved ones on a regular basis, so that senior has a schedule he or she can count on. Whether it’s a phone call, a visit, or a virtual meeting with video conferencing, you can connect as often as you like, such as every day or once a week. You can even set up a schedule with other relatives, so someone calls Nana every Saturday, for example.

Seniors

Be mindful of their wants and needs ahead of your own. For example, if they love seeing Christmas decorations, take them for a drive through some neighbourhoods with decorated homes. If they don’t want to go out in inclement weather, then take your own laptop and show them a museum exhibit that many museums make available for free online. You can also do this by video conferencing, simply by sharing your screen.

The point is, don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Social connections are very important for everyone’s physical and mental health. So, make an effort today, whether in-person or virtual to connect with those in assisted-living or long-term care. And then keep making those connections on a regular basis. Everyone benefits from these connections.

The Hamlets at Penticton is a supportive, long-term care and assisted-living community in the beautiful Okanagan area of BC. In a compassionate environment based on the tenets of Christianity, The Hamlets of Penticton offers security and independence for seniors in their retirement years.