Stay Connected

Connect without technology

Visit through a window. Sit or stand where you can see each other and talk on the phone.
Create or use a ritual phrase, sound or interchange to end a visit. For example, if you always hugged at the end of a visit, each of you cross arms with hands on opposite shoulders for a virtual hug.
Stick to routines. If you visited every day in the evening, window visit, phone, or video chat at the same time. Schedule visits with other family members or friends, so a care receiver has contact spread out, not all on one day.
Send cards, letters, and pictures through the mail.
Use felt tip markers and larger-than-normal writing.
Send an enlarged picture and share memories about it.
With permission, decorate a tree or bush or post a sign which can be seen from inside.

Coordinate watching a show at the same time and talk over the phone, or call after the show has aired.
Drop off or have delivered food, flowers, packages, food treats. ALWAYS check first. You do not want to create extra work (i.e. a silk versus living plant).
Learn about other difficult times the senior experienced--war times, economic problems, etc.
Plan topics for future contacts, such as “Tomorrow will you tell me about the day I was born?”
Set goals and check in, such as “Today let’s both sit outside for 10 minutes” or “This week I am going to sort through the bookshelf; will you ask me how I did?”
For caregivers, use calls, video and window chats for your respite. This may be a chance to take a walk, take a nap, or call someone to let off steam while the care receiver is occupied.

Have all friends and family use the same video app for simplicity.
As a caregiver, change your profile picture to a picture your care receiver would recognize or picture of your name.
Record a video message that can be replayed.
Experiment with virtual museum and outdoor apps.
Incorporate religious texts or prayers if these are part of your shared experience.
Exercise together.
Play multi-user games online.
Have a video chat musical recital, band, or sing-a-long.
Create a shared playlist of music.

Record a video message that can be replayed. For someone with dementia, begin with “I can’t visit you today, but I was thinking about …”
Keep explanations about why you cannot visit in person brief.
Individuals who have difficulty communicating still want social contact, such as a video chat.
Prepare for a video chat. Examples include having a picture and then talking about the event, having a couple of jokes, reading a short text and then talking about it. Short, frequent contacts are better.
Group chats may be confusing. If you have a group chat, establish beforehand how you will take turns talking.
Turn off automatic rotation on their device.

Contact facility staff to find out who and how they are helping residents connect. Many facilities have purchased tablets to pass around, arranged window visits, or have other ideas.
Ask if residents can receive packages, mail, or dropped off items. Make sure someone is assigned to open packages, read letters, or display pictures if needed.
To limit costs, ask facility if they have public internet access for resident devices.

Start slowly, with only 1 or 2 apps visible on the home screen. Add one at a time when you're ready.
Use single color background for home screens for less distraction.
Find a brightness level which is comfortable; increased brightness is often better for seniors and those with vision impairments.
Change display to large font or large display to see and touch better. These options are found in the accessibility settings.
Disable security features of “locking”; PIN numbers, patterns, and finger recognition can be difficult to remember.
Set up a central place with a charging station and way to prop the device; check for glare from windows and lights.

Explore other accessibility features such as speech/text.
At the end of every video chat, remind each other to charge device.
At the end of every video chat, remind each other to charge device.
Sanitize devices. Sit still and close. Someone moving around can create dizziness. Watching lips can help hearing.
For hearing difficulties, try speakers or headphones.
Enter as many contacts as possible, so you can choose who and when to answer.
Eliminate or decrease notifications and disable screen rotation.