Social interactions are important for mental health. Socialization may even be more important for the elderly and people isolated at home. It helps to lighten the mood, lower the risk of dementia, and promote a sense of safety and security. Although social networking and online interactions give a person a sense of connectedness, we still need regular in-person connections to avoid loneliness and reduce depression.
Yet, during the pandemic, it may be necessary for your client to remain distant from family members who are out and about in the community. This helps to reduce their risk of catching COVID-19 to which they may have higher risks of severe illness. Here are some tips to help them feel connected to their family.
Learn Technology
You’re in the perfect position to help your client learn how to use FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, Snapchat and other social media platforms that help them connect online with family and friends. Once the initial account setup is finished, the basics are easy and fun. You can help by introducing your client to the possibilities, help them to set up an account and learn how to use it.
Talk With Their Family
It’s easy to get caught up in the business of everyday life, and it’s no different for your client’s family. They may have forgotten how important it is for their loved one to hear from them. Ask your client if you can give the family a call and gently ask if they would be willing to rotate phone calls to your client every day so your client recognizes how important they are to their family.
Faith-Based Organizations
Many churches are holding services and other meetings online to help connect their members. If your client is a member of a church, find out how they can connect with friends at the church and how they can watch services from home.
Incorporate Activity in Their Daily Living
You know your clients best. It’s important to remember that exercise can help reduce anxiety and clear the mind. If you and your clients cannot get outdoors to be active, it’s time to get creative about being active indoors. You can find a number of activities for people of all physical abilities online. Yoga and chair exercises are just two that can fit the abilities of most people.
Stay Active in the Community at Home
It sounds a little counter-intuitive, but if your client is capable, many organizations rely on volunteers. Political parties, faith-based groups and nonprofit organizations need people to make phone calls, stuff envelopes, and do other volunteer work that can be done at home. Staying connected through volunteer work is one way to help people take the focus off of their own situation and help others.
Brain Health
Staying cognitively active may be just as important as being physically active. Spending hours in front of the television is not a healthy way of avoiding dementia and depression. Instead, try playing puzzles and crosswords with your client. Fun games and activities can also be found online. Consider looking for smartphone apps that are designed for memory and concentration. While these activities are not directly aimed at social interaction, they do keep an individual busy and their brain active, which helps accomplish some of the same goals.
Enjoy the Benefits of Working With Anodyne
Just one of the benefits of working with Anodyne is our commitment to your career and the health and well-being of your client. Together we can make a difference in our community! Contact our professional recruiters today and learn about the other benefits of working with professionals who are dedicated to developing your career and supporting the health of your clients.