Keep in Touch: How to Stay Connected to Loved Ones

One of the biggest problems facing the elderly today is loneliness. This is despite access to the internet. This can come down to a lack of willingness to try new things or worries that they won’t understand. However, it is important that we stay connected to loved ones to prevent them from feeling isolated. With that in mind, we look at 5 effective ways of keeping in touch.

5. Schedule Regular Visits

It’s easy for the hustle and bustle of modern life to leave us with little time to visit family and friends. However, it’s important to make time for one another. If you don’t get the time for a spontaneous visit, plan a day every week or every month when you can pop round for a short catch-up.

Whilst distance can make this a challenge, finding the opportunities is just as important as spending time with loved ones. When we are constantly busy, it can have a negative impact on our mental health, whereas socialising is great for boosting our mood.

Moreover, scheduling these visits gives you and your loved ones something to look forward to. This can make it easier to get through those more difficult days, further supporting wellbeing.

4. Arrange Days Out

If a sit down to catch up doesn’t appeal to you, consider taking your loved one out for the day – or for a few hours. There is no shortage of places around the UK that you can visit, and no matter where you are there will be plenty within a reasonable distance. We’ve even created a list of day trip ideas.

Simply hop on a bus, or get in the car if necessary, and head towards your chosen attraction. Even something as simple as a walk around the shops is a good way to stay connected to loved ones. It will also do them good to get out and about.

Of course, it’s important to be mindful of your loved one’s limitations. If they struggle to get around, a destination with lots of walking or hills might not be suitable – unless they have a mobility aid.

3. Switch to Video Calls

One of the most reliable ways to stay connected to loved ones is with a phone call. However, for many people this can feel impersonal. A voice over a speaker doesn’t quite match up with seeing someone face-to-face. Although some in the older generation may be averse to technology, video calls could help them overcome any qualms.

Your loved one won’t need to pick up anything particularly fancy to start. Even cheap smartphones come with video call capabilities, whether it’s FaceTime on Apple, Facebook video calls, or WhatsApp. Being able to see each other’s face when talking can help to make your loved one feel less isolated.

Video calls are also a great option for keeping in touch if you struggle to find time for visits or days out.

Another great way to stay connected to loved ones – if you can convince them to get online – is with social media. Using social media is a great way to not only keep up with family, but also reconnect with friends and get the latest news.

Regularly logging into a social media account such as Facebook or Instagram is a great way to see what your friends and family are up to. If your loved one lives far away, this could make it easier for them to see what their grandchildren have been up to lately.

Moreover, social media helps to keep you in touch, whether through instant messaging or the aforementioned video calls.

1. Send Gifts

Whilst it’s important not to overwhelm your loved ones with gifts, the occasional unexpected treat will make them feel appreciated and loved. Of course, you should also remember to send presents on their birthday or at Christmas, but these could also be the ideal times for paying them a visit.

A simple gift basket with some of their favourite treats will show your loved one that you haven’t forgotten about them. This can help to boost their mood until you get a chance to see them again, helping you stay connected.

If you need some idea for gifts you can send to your loved ones, check out our Ultimate Gift Guide.

Peace of Mind When You’re Away

As our loved ones age, it’s natural to worry about their wellbeing. Unfortunately, it’s often not possible to spend as much time with them as we would like. Fortunately, a personal alarm can provide extra reassurance for everyone when you struggle to stay connected to your loved ones.

A Careline Alarm is easy to install and simple to use. In an emergency, your loved one presses the button on their pendant. If they have a fall detector pendant, an automatic alert can also be sent after a hard fall. Our TSA-accredited 24-hour Care Team then answer the alert and arrange help on your loved one’s behalf by calling emergency contacts – this could include you.

If your loved one opts for our revolutionary SmartLife Alarm, they will benefit from the same service, with extended alert range and our fastest connection speeds, without needing a landline phone connection.

If you have any questions, or to order your Careline Alarm today, call on 0800 030 8777 and our professional team will be happy to help.