Video Calling And Seniors

This is a new and often challenging time we are going through due to covid 19. It is especially difficult for the seniors who will be missing their visits from family and friends if they are in a private care home. Even for those family members who don’t live close to their senior loved ones and don’t get to visit very often.

Video calls provide an alternative way of connecting with the senior in your life. A phone call, hearing someone’s voice is great but imagine how much better it would be with a video call. Below we list the reasons video calling can be more significant and how to help them get started.

There is something that feels much more personal about sitting across from a person rather than talking on the phone. When your loved one can see the smiles on their children’s and grandchildren’s faces it can brighten their day. Seeing the smiles and facial expressions make the conversation feel more personal.

With a phone call you hear a person’s tone, video chatting enhances communication. When you’re able to see their facial expressions it allows you to really see their mood. Along with their body language it makes chatting with a video chat so much more satisfying.

There was a study done that showed older adults experienced a much lower level of depression if they regularly used a video call to communicate with family and friends.

 While the younger generation take the ability to video chat for granted for older adults it can be downright amazing. And once they see how easy it is to video chat it may make them eager to see what else they can do.

You can start by finding out if they already have a computer, tablet or a smartphone. If they don’t own one you might consider finding or giving them a tablet or older model smartphone to set up the video chat option. Some retirement homes may even have computers that are shared by the residents, and staff are on hand to assist them get started.

Then it’s just a matter of deciding which app to use for the video calling. If your family member already has a Facebook account they can use facebook messenger rather than downloading another app. The FaceTime app is an option for Apple users and usually comes pre –  loaded on the iphone or you can search for another user friendly app.

Trillium Communities recognize how important it is for their residents to connect with their family and friends, especially in these times. Contact our reception today for more information about our communities.