Maintaining Connections While Staying at Home

Experts are asking EVERYONE to do our part to make social distancing a priority to combat COVID-19. Try to keep six feet apart from others, regardless of age, or whether you feel well or sick. Adults, 65 years of age and older, are at higher risk of severe illness, please stay at home so you do not become infected.

Suggestions to alleviate the loneliness of social distancing, so you don't feel isolated staying at home:

• Stay in contact with people close to you, especially those who are social distancing too. Call family, friends, and neighbors. Schedule another time to talk before you hang up.

• Focus conversation on something positive. Share with others, especially, grandchildren or other younger family members, what life was like for you while growing up. Ask about favorite memories, movies, and books, or what is their most memorable moment in history?

• Ask what activities others suggest to prevent boredom and pass the time productively?

• The Centers for Disease and Control is asking communities to create "buddy systems" to make sure vulnerable and hard-to-reach people stay connected. This can be done through your place of worship, social group, or neighborhood email blasts.

• For those of you who are able – check in with your older friends and relatives, it is important to let them know they haven't been forgotten. Such thoughtfulness is always appreciated.

• FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, Facebook, and more online sites help connect you with others. Ask a neighbor or family member for help setting up an account, but be sure to ask if they are healthy before accepting their assistance in your home.