My friend Ana just called me in great distress because she was not able to see her grandchildren that live 2 blocks away. The restrictions come from government officials to prevent seniors to be infected with the Corona Virus.
Ana is in great health and does not suffer from any health conditions that would put her at risk of contracting the virus and having to be hospitalized. She is at home with her husband and has been staying at home now for one month. She misses her grandchildren.
The advice, however, is clear. If at all possible, older people—who are at a higher risk of suffering complications and dying from coronavirus—should keep contact with others to an absolute minimum. Ideally, they should stay at home, not receive visitors, get groceries and medicines delivered, and go outside for no reason other medical necessity.
I have not seen my grandchildren for the past month. My relationship with them has been exclusive to phone calls and a range of videos, Skype, face time, especially good for my grandchildren but bad for people who are hearing impaired or adept at using the new technology
Calling is great and made it easier with our new technology. I know talking almost daily with the children and the long conversations involve small talk and mundane events going inside the house.
I have taken to write letters to my grandchildren, including photographs and reminiscing about their childhood as well as mine. When I can I teach them words in Spanish, talking about what is going on in the rest of the world, a bit of geography, and more importantly ethnics songs they have probably never heard before.
On a daily basis, I sent them cards, books, and games that we can play together using Skype. Toys and sweets are not expensive and it is a way to stay connected and break down boredom
Do not let these strange times put distance and fences among your loved ones, you may be surprised how the small things can add moments of joy to the relationship.
Author: Conchy Bretos, Founder, Mia Senior Living