Four of the Best Ways to Stay in Touch During Self-Quarantines

One question that came up during the COVID-19 emergency was how to keep in touch with parents during self-quarantines. You can’t ignore them, but you can’t leave your home either. If they don’t live with you when a virus of this nature hits, how do you keep in touch and make sure they’re okay? These four options are your best bets.

Video Calls

Services like Google Hangouts, Facebook Messenger, Skype, and many others allow you to make video calls for free. Contact your parents over the computer. You’ll see and hear them and know if they need anything. It helps prevent loneliness, too.

These services are easy to use. You both load the app or software on your computer, make a call just as you would with a phone, and your mom and dad answer on their end. Chat as long and as often as you need.

Phone

The telephone is something your parents know how to use. It’s a no-fuss way to connect, though it does lack the benefit of physically seeing how they look. If video chats confuse them, the phone is your best option.

As there are scammers out there who use different tactics to fool callers, go over phone safety with your mom and dad. Teach them the common scams, how to avoid them, and what to do if they think a caller may have gotten information from them because the scam was that convincing.

Smart Speakers

Smart speakers like the Google Home can be set up to make quick and easy phone calls. Once set up, all your parents have to do is say “Call X” and the speaker makes the call for them. Some systems use a tablet and offer video chat that’s operated just as easily.

Hire Caregivers to Make Sure They’re Okay

You may not be able to leave the house to see your parents, but caregivers can. Arrange senior care services and have a caregiver stop by and see how your parents are doing. Caregivers can prepare meals for the week and leave instructions on how to reheat them. They can contact a doctor if your parents are sick and should be seen.

Schedule senior care for the days and hours that best fit your parents’ needs. It’s easy to make these arrangements over the phone. Call a local senior care agency to get started. Answer a few questions and your parents have the care they need even if you can’t get to them.

If you or an aging loved one is considering senior care in San Ramon, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.