Coronavirus

Before the pandemic that is COVID-19, staying in touch with a loved one in senior living was hard. Now that precautions such as social distancing are in place, those challenges have now become harder. A lack of connection brought on by today’s conditions has elevated stress and created a sense of loneliness amongst both elderly parents and their adult children. Here are eight simple ways to stay connected during these tough times:

Send Them Care Packages

Send your loved on a package filled with their favorite items, personal belongings, and even memorable items such as photos and postcards to make them feel involved. Another way of doing so is by creating themed care packages centered around a memory or even a holiday. Regularly sending thought out care packages can make your loved one feel cared for, thought of, and involved. 

Regular Video Calls

We are fortunate to live in a period in which technology makes it easy to stay connected. Set up a weekly time to video call with your loved one. Video calls are ideal since they allow both of you to see each other. They can make the distance more bearable and will enable you to show them things going on at home. It also allows you to get your family together to video chat together.

Play a Game Together

Smartphones have changed how we play games. With thousands of multi-player games available, you can now bond over even more. Pick out a smartphone game that both of you will enjoy. Games can further enhance how you bond together and give you more to talk about. If your loved one doesn’t have a smartphone, computer games are an alternative. 

Get Them a Pet

Pets are a great way to ease loneliness. If possible, get your loved one a pet to keep them company. If they are able, take your loved one to the store to pick out their pet. Not only will this create a great memory, but it will add even more meaning to the pet. Having a pet will keep them busy and offer a form of companionship.

Photo by John-Mark Smith from Pexels

Collaborate with Their Caregiver

Caregivers offer a unique insight into your loved one’s progress. They regularly interact with them, which makes them a good source of ideas and inspiration. Develop a relationship with your loved one’s caregiver to keep track of their progress, any possible issues, and possible ways to make them happy and content. 

Send Good Morning and Goodnight Texts

This simple tip can make a world of difference. Daily communication can be a struggle considering how crazy life can get. Simple good morning and good night texts can let your loved one know you’re thinking about them. It can also serve as a way to share with them what you’re up to and open the door up for conversation. 

Plan Out Future Trips

Planning out a future trip with your loved one can help take their mind off any current troubles they may be having. It can serve as a way to get through tough times and give them something to look forward to. And because trips often require planning, it provides your loved one something to do to make time pass. A great bonus is planning out trips that may be on their bucket list. Bucket list trips add even more connection and excitement. 

Make Every Conversation Meaningful

Day-to-day conversations can lose their effect because they lack substance. Be sure to make every conversation meaningful by talking about their progress, your progress, reminiscing, showing compassion, and making sure they know they’re loved. It’s essential to do so, so they don’t feel that staying connected is a chore for you.

These eight tips can help both you and your loved one get through these tough times and even strengthen your relationship. It can be overwhelming to get started, but writing down ideas and a list of your loved one’s hobbies and interests can be a great way to get started. 

About the Author

Brandon Landgraf is a digital marketing manager and content creator for Carex Health Brands, a health and wellness brand whose mission is to improve the lives of others. He enjoys writing content that empowers others to live better, be healthier, and lead happy lifestyles.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response – March 24, 2020

Aspen Senior Care is taking extra precautions to keep our clients, caregivers, and office staff safe. This is our top priority at this time. We want to do all we can to ensure the safety and well-being of all members of our Aspen family. Here are the most critical steps we are taking:

1. Frequently reminding all employees to follow the important CDC guidelines. These include washing hands often for 20 seconds with warm soapy water, cleaning objects and surfaces often which are frequently touched, covering up any coughing or sneezing, not touching their faces or shaking hands with others, staying away from all sick people and practicing social distancing at all times. 

2. Proactively enforcing our Stay home if you are sick policy. This goes for all employees who might be exhibiting any symptoms of respiratory illness, flu, or cold viruses.

3. Proactively screening all caregivers. We are calling and visiting with our caregivers often and screening them with the following questions:

  • Have your recently traveled out of state or country or to any infected communities?
  • Do you have any symptoms of respiratory infection such as fever, cough, or sore throat?
  • Have you been in contact with anyone who has or is being tested for COVID-19 or are ill with respiratory illness?
  • Are you aware of coronavirus spreading in the community where you live?

4. Asking all employees working with clients exhibiting any respiratory illness symptoms to call the office immediately and ask the client to contact their primary care physician ASAP. All caregivers will wear masks and gloves when working with any at risk clients.

5. Any employees who travel will first check with our office team before working. Those traveling to high risk communities, states, and nations must take 14 days off when returning home to monitor for symptoms of respiratory infection. 

At Aspen Senior Care, we encourage the highest standard of health safety practices to ensure the health of both our clients and employees. We have a great 15-year record of doing just that. Please feel free to reach out to our office with any questions at 801-224-5910

Covid-19 Update 2021

At the beginning of January, our caregivers had a window of opportunity to receive the Covid-19 vaccine. We are happy to report that about 30% of our caregivers were able to get vaccinated. We know that protecting them protects you as clients!

In an effort to help diminish the spread of this virus, we strongly encourage you and all our clients and staff to consider immunization. We suggest consulting with your personal physician to make this decision in regards to your personal needs and circumstances. The Utah County Health Department has now opened up immunization times for those who are 70+ and all previous groups. We have found that the slots usually come open after 7:00 p.m. most evenings and fill up very fast. You can check the Utah County Health Department website for further updates. Please reach out to us if you would like our assistance.

Dear Clients and Families,

Our top priority is the health and safety of our clients and employees. With the coronavirus  (COVID-19) in the news, we want to share with you our protocol to minimize the spread of viruses, bacteria, and other serious bugs. We’ve always been careful and now we’re taking even greater measures to ensure the safety and well-being of your loved ones. Here’s what we are doing:

  1. Reminding our employees to wash their hands often for at least 15 seconds with warm soapy water, especially before and after helping clients with any food or personal care. We help our clients keep their hands clean as well. 
  1. Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects which frequently get used by others. We like to use Clorox or Lysol wipes to wipe things down if you have any in stock. Otherwise, we’ll use warm soapy water to keep things bug-free.  
  1. Proactively enforcing our Stay at home if you are sick policy. This goes for all of our employees because we know that our clients already have enough challenges and they are more vulnerable to all viruses, bacteria, and any other serious bugs.  
  1. Asking employees and clients to always cover up any coughing or sneezing. And to stay away from sick people or others who have come in contact with people who might be sick.
  1. Strongly discouraging handshakes and the touching of mouth, eyes, and nose by employees and clients.

We remind our employees often of this protocol, especially during flu season and now even more with the coronavirus spreading. From what we’ve studied and been told, this virus is a lot like the respiratory flu virus (both in its symptoms and the way it spreads). We see no need to panic, but we want to stay alert, be smart, and keep our clients safe, healthy, and happy.

At Aspen Senior Care, we encourage the highest standard of health safety practices to ensure the health of both our employees and our clients. We have a great 15-year record of doing just that.

Please feel free to reach out to our office with any questions or additional suggestions at 801-224-5910.