Coronavirus in Long-Term Care Facilities: Information for Residents and Families

Creative Ideas and Practices for Staying Connected During Isolation

• Communicate via letters and cards or drop off care packages at the facility.

• Use technology - video chat, FaceTime, text and email. 

  • If facility staff assist in setting up equipment, request that they leave the resident's room, so you're able to chat 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.

  • Set up Skype or FaceTime so residents can communicate with each other within the facility.

  • Use the facility's Contac Us page on their website as a way to contact residents.

• Meet through windows or arrange a time for a visit through a glass door.

• 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.

• 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. 

• 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.

• Brainstorm ideas for maintaining regular activities while isolating like playing bingo by using call lights, conducting an exercise class via video chat, or playing individual games like bowling in the hallway.

  • Visit the National Certification Council for Activity Professional's COVID-19 webpage and watch LinkedSenior's recent webinar for more ideas.

• Encourage facilities to boost staff numbers to increase one-on-one time with 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.

• Use the facility's internal TV channel to communicate information and broadcast entertainment.

• If family members do resident laundry or deliver food, set up a drive-through system to exchange items without needing to enter the building.

• Think of creative ways to bring entertainers into the facility, like:

  • If many residents have outward-facing windows, ask local musicians to perform outdoors.

  • Use the intercom system to play music or conduct sing-a-longs.

  • 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.

• Utilize free online resources like 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.

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