From A Distance: Tips for Caring For Your Loved One During COVID-19

With most of the nation under some form of shut down order due to the COVID pandemic, many of us are separated from our loved ones. Our elderly and medically fragile loved ones have been especially impacted. Being apart is hard. Caring for loved ones from a distance presents challenges and makes staying connected more important than ever. 

Staying connected to our loved ones during troubled times gives comfort, hope and peace of mind. If you have a loved one you’re having to remain distanced from, you can still stay engaged and share special moments. Take a look at these tips for staying connected during the stay-at-home. 

Connect Virtually

Technology has become the lifeline for many people who now find themselves more isolated because of COVID. Whether it’s stay-at-home orders or restrictions on care facilities, not being able to visit loved ones has made those family visits a challenge. Thankfully, social and video platforms like Skype, Zoom, Facetime and others have made visits a possibility. 

With a few clicks, you and your loved one can see and hear each other. It’s not the same as face-to-face, but it’s the next best thing! You can share stories, check in with each other and enjoy those chats you love so much. And, you have peace of mind knowing you can see them and check in when you need to. Until you can see each other in person, video chats are a great option. 

Set Up A Love Train

You’ve probably seen the meal trains that people set up when a family is in need of extra support. Why not take that same concept and use it for the loved ones you cannot see in person? 

You may not be able to carry the weight of checking up on loved ones alone, especially if your family has several at risk members or if you are at high risk as well. This is a time for working together. Think about who in the family or your loved one’s friend circle who might be able to help. It’s kind of like a meal train only instead of meals, you all are delivering love. 

With a few designated people, you can make sure your loved ones have contact with someone on a regular basis who can alert you to any needs. That extra contact can also brighten your loved one’s spirits and help them feel less alone. And visits, even if they’re virtual, are always a nice surprise. 

Send A Little Love

Being isolated from family and friends, unable to venture out, leaves a lot of alone time to fill. Your loved ones might be feeling a little down too. Social contact is crucial to well-being and has a significant impact on mood. 

Why not send them a little cheer? A small surprise will brighten their day and let them know you love and care for them. Here are a few ideas:

• Send a sweet handmade card
• Send or drop off a basket of their favorite home baked goodies, fruit, etc. 
• Send them funny pictures or texts

You can also send or drop off something to pass the time:

• Adult coloring books and colored pencils

• A craft kit

• Brain games or puzzles 

As the country moves through this time, it’s important to protect our most vulnerable loved ones but to also stay connected. This will be the time we remember of waves and air kisses through the window so that we could protect those we love the most. We at Classy Pal remain committed to helping you care for the ones you love most. We will continue to provide you with the products and services you know and trust. And, we will all get through this together.