The last year has been a difficult one, especially for people with family in care homes.
Although Florida’s governor has in recent months loosened restrictions on nursing home visits, it’s still a dangerous time to interact with your loved ones. The risk of spreading COVID-19 is still present, even as vaccines have begun rolling out.
The best way to stay in touch, at least for now, is through virtual visits. Here’s a little information about how people are staying connected in COVID times.
Don’t want to read the full blog? Watch the video.
Virtual Visits
Keeping in touch with your loved ones matters, even in the middle of a pandemic. Being in a care home leaves a person isolated enough, as it is.
Luckily, modern technology allows people to connect through video calls.
Organize virtual gatherings to celebrate birthdays. Set up weekly virtual family visits until it’s safe to reconnect in person.
If someone in a care home doesn’t have access to a smart device to do calls, consider lending them one of your own. Even government-nonprofits are providing funding to give nursing homes extra tech devices for virtual visits.
How to Do a Facetime Call
One of the main ways people stay connected is through Facetime. Even before the pandemic, many friends and families with iPhones choose to talk face to face rather than simply doing a phone call.
The first step to doing a Facetime call is owning an Apple device. If you don’t have one, you can’t use it.
Open the app and sign in with your Appl ID. You may have to use your email to register.
To make a call, you need to have the other person’s phone number or email address. Tap the plus button in the app and type in the number you’re calling.
You can also start a Facetime call in the middle of a normal phone call by clicking on the icon.
How to Do a Zoom Call
Outside of an Apple device, you can also do a Zoom call through the associated app. Log in with your email and password, host a meeting, and share the link with whoever you’re inviting.
If you’re not hosting the meeting, all you have to do is wait for the host to send you a link. Click it, and you’re in.
Alternative Options
There are also many apps that let you host virtual gatherings, such as Netflix Party. With it, you can watch a show or movie with another person, and video chat at the same time.
This is great for organizing a movie night with a family member or doing a long-distance date night.
Stay Connected
Just because a loved one is in a care home doesn’t mean you can’t stay connected with them. With technology, you can see their face every day and make sure they’re getting the care they need.
With virtual visits, you can also see if they’re having any trouble.
If you suspect there may be nursing home abuse going on with your loved one, contact us today for a free case evaluation.
