10 Creative Ways to Stay in Touch During Social Isolation

Struggling with keeping in contact with your family members, or specifically the older folks in your life during COVID-19? After a few months, it can feel overwhelming to have to come up with new ways to have the same conversations over the phone, especially when your loved ones are far away. So we’ve put together a list of some great ways to change your communication up!

1. Save a seat at meal time and take a picture of it. Send the picture along with a note indicating that you wish they were there and that you are thinking of them.

2. Get dressed up and re-create old family photos that include your older adult relative. Compare likeness in similar postures and include a funny note. 

3. Send something funny in the mail. Something that references a private joke that you share. Everyone likes receiving unexpected surprises.

4. If your relative is far away, make friends with their neighbours and have them check on them periodically. Have neighbours help you deliver surprises and gifts. This has the potential to increase your loved ones social circle as well.

5. Consider a regular and consistent form of communication like calls, video chats and texts. Consistency gives older adults and family members something to look forward too.  

6. Go for a walk and capture a beautiful nature scene. Send it to your older relative and tell them you were wishing you were there too. Tell them you thought of them even though they weren’t there.

7. Take a picture or video of a hobby or task that your older relative has taught you how to do. Include a note of appreciation and gratitude and send it.

8. Think of sending them a song that reminds you of them or a short and meaningful message to them to tell them when they cross your mind. Older adults want to know they are valued and thought of when they are not with you.

9. Consider making a memory project as a family. Include your older family member by asking them to share memories and stories. Send them a copy of the finished product. Ask for pictures and include them in the project. 

10. Consider printing out a larger picture of an older adult that cannot take part in an event (if social distancing is necessary), making sure to take a picture or a video with their likeness enjoying the event! Older adults want to feel included!