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How to Ensure Your Quarantined Loved Ones Still Feel Loved

December 18, 2020 | Brain and Spine Specialists

Quarantine can be a very lonely time for everyone

Quarantine is especially lonely for our older loved ones who we can’t see because of the Coronavirus. It’s so important to make sure the people in your life know you’re still thinking of them even if you can’t see them.

Whether it’s your parent, grandparent or a friend in a retirement center, the struggle of not being able to visit them impacts both you and them. Here in Bay County, we have wonderful retirement centers like Seagrass Village and Superior Residences of Panama City Beach, Brookdale Panama City, Charter Senior Living, and Mathison Retirement Community among many others. They provide great care for those that live there and can even be the person who brightens your loved one’s day while they’re battling the loneliness and isolation that comes with living through a pandemic. 

How to help show you care

Feeling isolated can lead to increased rates of anxiety or depression, which can then lead to more serious physical health issues like dementia, heart disease and stroke. Staying in contact and sending small gifts, even homemade ones, can greatly decrease the risk of your loved one experiencing these complications.

There are some things you can do to help your friend or family member through this very difficult time and remind them that they’re not alone. The Bay County Alzheimer’s Alliance donates dolls to Alzheimer’s patients in local retirement centers. You can donate money or dolls to the BCAA to help give purpose to someone you know, or even someone you don’t know. Dr. Khurram Nazir of the Brain and Spine Specialists says that giving dolls to Alzheimer’s patients can “decrease stress and irritation and put responsibility and structure back into the lives of Alzheimer’s patients.” 

Another great way to keep your loved one from feeling lonely is by video chatting or sending letters. The use of Facetime and other apps like Zoom or Google Teams has increased since the quarantine orders were first put in place. It’s not exactly like seeing them in person, but it can still help them to feel less alone. 

If you’d like to donate money or a doll to the Bay County Alzheimer’s Alliance, please visit their Facebook page Bay County Alzheimer’s Alliance, INC