Challenges bring out the best in us. COVID-19 has shown us to be resilient and adaptable but, it has also made life difficult for many individuals who need to isolate themselves for their own health and safety. Elderly individuals, specifically, may have to isolate themselves from friends and family for an extended period of time. This isolation can harm a person’s emotional and physical well-being, and we must do what we can to care for their overall health and wellness. Fortunately, there are many tools and resources that help us to remotely care for our loved ones and, we have outlined a few options for people who are looking to decrease the effects of isolation on themselves and their loved ones during this unprecedented situation.
Utilize Technology
There are many technological options that help us to stay connected and healthy during isolation. U.S News and World Report states that video chatting applications like Skype, Apple Face time, Zoom, and many more can help older adults to avoid depression. The report states that these more technologically advanced methods of communication are more effective but, more traditional modes of online communication like email and text messaging programs can have some benefits as well. These methods of communication aren’t perfect but, they are a great way to maintain social relationships from a safe distance.
Know Where to Go for Help
Many organizations are dedicating themselves to helping the most vulnerable deal with the difficulty of isolation. Endsocialisolation.org has compiled a list of resources for people who are suffering from the effects of loneliness. These helpful resources may give you information and assistance that can help you to weather this storm and help your family to do the same.
Make a Plan
The first step toward achieving any goal is to make a plan. Work with your loved ones to set specific times to video chat or speak on the phone. These plans will not only ensure that everyone is on the same page but, they give everyone a positive social meeting to look forward to even though they are staying safe at home. Making a plan with your loved ones may seem simple but, it is one of the most important steps that you can take.
Don’t Lose Sight of What’s Important
Staying healthy does not only include avoiding COVID-19, maintaining overall health should still be a top priority for every individual. Additionally, there are many health conditions that can make the effects of isolation even worse. Audiological health can play a major role in an individual’s mental health and overall wellness. Maintaining hearing health is another way that you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the effects of social isolation.
My team at All About Hearing is dedicated to keeping our patients safe and healthy during this pandemic. We understand the challenges our community is facing because we face them as well. Our team will continue to help patients tend to their overall health during this crisis and into the future. If you want to make a commitment to your hearing health, contact us to discuss how we can help you or to schedule a safe teleaudiology appointment so that we can evaluate your needs.
