The lockdown has been longer and much tougher than any of us could have anticipated. For some the uncertainty of whether they might ever get to hug their loved ones again must be unbearable, however we have tried to overcome our social distance using technology.
Here at Grosvenor, we have arranged facetime calls, Skype, Zoom, telephone. We have used technology and more old-fashioned methods of communication too, writing letters and postcards to our loved ones.
We can tell how much this communication means to our residents’ friends and family with all the lovely comments we receive on Facebook when we post photos of the many activities we have been enjoying. To see your loved one having a nice time lifts the spirits and for that reason we have been posting more than ever on social media.
Although video calling can be harder if you are talking with someone with dementia it is important for both our residents and their loved ones to stay in touch and see each other in whatever way they can.
On special days such as Mother’s Day and Easter we were inundated with gifts and cards for the residents and it was so lovely to watch them opening their gifts and smiling with their friends here at Grosvenor. In order to share this moment, we took video clips and photos to share with their loved ones outside of the home.
Technology really has become a tool to rely on in these uncertain times. Our only form of contact with the outside world and we are extremely grateful for the link it gives us with all our residents’ friends and families. We hope to be able to come together a bit more in the future, however for now we will continue in the virtual world.