COVID-19 has made everything difficult, but it has made spending time with terminally ill friends and family who are in group homes or hospital settings nearly impossible. As we impatiently wait for the day that everything can go back to what was “normal” before COVID-19 came into the picture, here are some ways you can be there for your loved one without physically being there.
1.) Video calls: Technology has made it easy to feel close to someone despite being miles apart. Ask your loved one’s caretaker if he or she wouldn’t mind setting up a video call for you to spend some virtual time together.
2.) Revert to snail mail: Write a letter or draw a picture for your loved one and mail it to them. Not only will it brighten their day, but they can keep as a reminder that you’re always with them even.
3.) Create a care package: Consider including comfort items such as a pillow, blanket, or photo album. Alternatively, you can create a memory box with pictures and mementos to make your loved one feel at home.
4.) Send entertainment: Give the caretaker a book to read your loved one while you are away, one you feel they would enjoy, or perhaps one you used to read together. Alternatively, you could send a movie or grant them access to your Netflix or Hulu account.
5.) Pick up the phone: You don’t always have to be creative when looking for ways to show someone you care. A simple phone call will mean the world to a person who is missing their friends and family.
We hope these suggestions help take some of the stress away from not being able to see each other in person. Remember that although time apart is difficult, spending time away from those who are more susceptible to COVID-19 is the single most important thing you can do while the spread continues.
Stay safe everyone!
-Vantage Hospice
