{"id":7251,"date":"2021-01-11T20:58:40","date_gmt":"2021-01-11T20:58:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/combat-loneliness-during-a-pandemic\/"},"modified":"2021-01-11T20:58:40","modified_gmt":"2021-01-11T20:58:40","slug":"combat-loneliness-during-a-pandemic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/preferhome.com\/locations\/blog\/combat-loneliness-during-a-pandemic\/","title":{"rendered":"Combat Loneliness during a Pandemic"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

“Loneliness and social isolation in older adults are serious public health risks affecting a significant number of people in the United States and putting them at risk for dementia and other serious medical conditions,” states the Center for Disease Control (CDC). And this is without the forced social distancing and isolation brought on by the pandemic this past year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s been a hard few months, especially for our seniors. As the most vulnerable population for coronavirus, many have experienced an increase in isolation and subsequent loneliness.  While we are beginning to see hope on the horizon as the vaccine rollout begins, we are still several months away from a return to “normalcy”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the pandemic has stretched longer than any of us anticipated, how can we help combat loneliness, isolation, or even depression among the elderly population?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check-in Regularly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Regular check-ins not only help combat loneliness, but they provide a standard to gauge the mental, emotional, and physical health of your senior loved one. Set up regular calls, preferably daily, with your parent, grandparent, or friend. Regular check-ins will allow you to notice shifts or changes in the health of your loved one. If your loved one is able, set up Facetime or Zoom calls, allowing you to see one another face-to-face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Look for Opportunities to Visit In-Person<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Seek opportunities for a masked visit, preferably out of doors. Maintain appropriate distance and make sure your loved one is comfortable with the arrangement. Seeing one another in person can not only be a balm to a lonely soul, but it can allow you to more accurately evaluate the health of your loved one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Engage Creatively<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Consider creative ways to engage and help your loved one know you care. Thinking outside of the box can help disrupt the loneliness or boredom that can set in during this time. Here are some ideas to creatively engage:<\/p>\n\n\n\n