When You’re in Hospice: 6 Ways To Stay Connected During Social Distancing [Infographic]

When you’re facing a serious, terminal illness, you may feel alone at times.

But how do you cope with isolation in a world of COVID-19, which is full of social distancing and shelter-in-place orders?

You may feel disconnected from the ones you love. Maybe they aren’t allowed to visit you anymore.

We’re living in challenging times. Now, more than ever, it’s important to stay connected with those who mean so much to us.

But how do you do that when you’re on lockdown? Or when visitation is restricted?

6 Ideas to Help You Fight Loneliness

1. Email or Text Friends and Family

It’s become the standard of communication, and it is an easy way to stay up-to-date with your friends, children and grandchildren. You might even ask them to send photos as attachments to help ease any loneliness you might feel.

2. Call Someone

While it’s not as common as emailing, sometimes hearing the voice of those you love can make a big difference in your mood.

If you’re contacting grandchildren, be sure to ask questions about their interests. They may be concerned or alarmed at some of the changes going on in the world. Your voice can provide reassurance.

3. Get In Touch With Old Friends

Has it been years since you touched base with that old college friend? How about that cousin you only see at Christmas? Now is the time to reaffirm those relationships.

This will not only strengthen these connections, but it will help ease the feeling of isolation. They’ll be happy to hear from you!

4. Write a Letter to Those You Love

Letter-writing is a lost art. It seems like very few people write letters anymore. That’s why it’s even more special to receive one.

Let’s face it, it’s great to get something in your mailbox that isn’t a bill!

Not sure what to write about? Try:

• Sharing a special memory
• Telling a story about your childhood
• Sharing a favorite “secret” family recipe
• Mentioning something funny that happened
• Telling them how much they mean to you
• Sending a copy of an old family photograph

5. Use Video Chat

There are several programs that easily enable you to see and speak to those you love.

Some of these include:

• Face Time
• Skype
• What’s App
• Zoom

They are free and very easy to use. These will work with your phone, iPad, tablet or on your laptop.

If you’re not sure how to use these apps, most of them come with complete instructions plus online tutorials.

If you’re not good with technology, don’t worry. This is a perfect time to learn. Call your children or a friend who can help guide you through the process over the phone.

Once you’re set-up, this opens a world of possibilities. For example, if you have grandchildren, you may enjoy reading to them before bed, or even establishing a “family and friends hour” where you have a regular virtual meet up. This has the added benefit of giving you something to look forward to every day.

6. Stream Live Activities

One of the benefits of hospice care is it improves the quality of life. In many cases, patients are able to participate in activates they once enjoyed. These activities may include going to religious services or taking exercise classes.

But in a time of COVID-19, many of these activities are off-limits.

How do you stay connected with the activities you love? There are several ways.

Many exercise classes and religious services offer live streaming, meaning you can watch these activities at home. You can also take advantage of other virtual events, such as museums offering video tours.

Will My Hospice Care Team Still Visit Me?

This situation is affecting health care workers across the country. If you have questions or concerns about receiving hospice care during COVID-19, talk to your hospice team. They’ll let you know what to expect.

Interested in Learning More About Hospice? We’ve Got the Answers You Need

Did you know that many Americans don’t get the hospice care they need? Sometimes this is because they believe myths about hospice. The facts? Most in hospice care say “I wish I had done it sooner.”

Don’t let misconceptions lead to unnecessary suffering. Find out if you or your loved one could benefit from hospice care.