Ideas for Staying Connected

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Ideas for Staying Connected   Resident's Voice Submissions

Using Technology

• Video chat, FaceTime, text, and email with family and friends outside of the facility.
• Set up Skype, Zoom, or FaceTime so residents can communicate with each other within the facility.
• If facility staff assist in setting up equipment, request that they leave the resident's room, so socializing can be done privately.
• If the resident doesn't know how to use the technology, ask local libraries or senior centers to provide training via phone call or video chat.
• Ask family and friends to send short video greetings that residents can watch at any time. Residents can record videos to send in response.
• Use the facility's Contact Us page on their website as a way to contact residents.
• Set up a video chat or live stream where residents and family members can share best practices for communicating, keeping active, and self-care strategies.
• Create a phone chain for family members and friends to call on a scheduled day to make sure the resident is getting daily phone calls.
• Use the facility's social media channels to invite others to become pen pals with residents.

 

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Snail Mail

• Supply residents with pens, paper, envelopes and stamps to write letters or send cards to friends and family; encourage friends and family to write back.
• Create a photo album of old and new pictures for residents.
• Children can participate in the Maine Notes for Seniors initiative by writing notes, uploading a drawing, or sending a short video to residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
• Send a care package to residents including photos, crossword puzzles, magazines or books, or snacks.

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Window Visits

• Use outdoor visuals, such as tying ribbons around trees or benches, planting flowers, or hanging posters or banners, to show residents you're thinking about them. 
• Meet through windows or arrange a time for a visit through a glass door.
• Play tic-tac-toe through the window using soap.
• Family councils can arrange a car parade.
• If family members do resident laundry or deliver food, set up a drive-through system to exchange items without needing to enter the building.
• Ask local musicians to perform outdoors.

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Activities Inside the Facility

• Use the intercom system to play music or conduct sing-a-longs.
• Use the intercom system or CCTV to "dedicate" songs or share anecdotes
• Use the CCTV to communicate information and broadcast entertainment or exercise classes.
• Engage from your doorway. Residents can sit in their doorways and play bingo, have a sing-a-long, exercise, or even have remote-controlled car races.
• Set up pen pals within the facility, so residents can send letters to each other.

 

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Accessing Online Media

• Share uplifting videos, music, or other links such as this YouTube video with residents.
• Visit museums, libraries, or travel the world using these resources:
  • Video chat with local performers or friends, family members, and staff who have hidden talents.​
  • Discover new books, audio books and magazines to read, and make use of free online resources to access them, like the app, Libby.
  • Watch free online performances from The Metropolitan Opera, Paris Opera, Philharmonie Berlin, Broadway performers and more.
  • Visit world-famous museums or libraries (Library of Congress; UN World Digital Library) virtually.
  • Stay connected to the outside world by watching webcams from all over the world, including zoos, volcanoes, the International Space Station, and more.
• Live stream church services.
• Send a virtual hello to brighten the day of residents who can't receive visitors by recording a short video and uploading it to this Facebook page.

 

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• Designate an outdoor area for residents to enjoy sunshine and fresh air
• Set up a socially distanced outdoor space for family and friends to visit with residents or use a see-through sheet or plastic wall to allow for safe visiting outdoors
• Bring fresh plants into the facility to bring the outdoors in

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Additional Activity Ideas and Resources

• Encourage facilities to boost staff numbers to increase one-on-one time with residents.
• Take care of your mental health (and offer resources and suggestions to your loved ones) while social distancing. 
• The American Psychological Association and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) offer tips.
• Visit the National Certification Council for Activity Professional's COVID-19 webpage and watch LinkedSenior's recent webinar for more ideas.
• See more activity suggestions from the Iowa Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

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