From a distance: Small steps to lift spirits of grandparents
Social distancing can be tough. It can be especially tough for grandparents, who aren’t used to spending time away from family, especially their grandkids.
Some grandparents will fall into the over-70 bracket who have been told to cocoon. This means, even if they are fit and able, they should stay at home at all times and avoid face-to-face contact.
It can be an isolating and lonely experience. So how can their grandchildren help?
Have a conversation
It sounds simple, but picking up the phone to have a chat with a grandparent can be hugely rewarding. If you’re an older grandchild and think your grandparent is struggling, talking things through can help make things easier.
The HSE has advised people to “limit your news intake” so talking about things other than Covid-19 is also helpful.
Teach them something
Not all grandparents are proficient with tech. While isolating, it can be the perfect time to talk them through a new form of contacting people. Whether it be FaceTime, Skype or Zoom, there are plenty of video chat options out there and now could be the perfect time to introduce a grandparent to one. Talking them through it over the phone can help them interact with other people in turn.
Watch a film together, while alone
Are films something you bond over with your grandparents? That doesn’t have to stop.
While on the phone or FaceTime, watch your grandparent’s favourite film from the comfort of your individual homes. Watching something together can help people feel more connected and less alone.
Maybe one of the grandparents has a favourite TV show? Why not watch it and give them a call afterwards to discuss it?
Family tree
Your grandparents will have a wealth of knowledge about relatives and other members of the family who you may not have met. While on the phone, ask them about those family members and plant the seeds of a family tree. It could help both you and your grandparents and it is something that can continue at the other side of this pandemic.
New hobby
Just because you are separated from your grandparents doesn’t mean you can’t learn a new skill. Baking, cross-stitch, painting — using a video call you could do all these things together. Asking a grandparent to show you how to whip up your favourite dessert could help them feel connected again.
Write a letter
It sounds quaint, but writing a letter or a card to a grandparent can be a great way to cheer them up, especially if they’re cocooning.
On its website, Johns Hopkins Medicine says writing notes or sending cards can “lift your loved one’s spirits”. So why not put pen to paper?
Leave a surprise in their shopping
If you or your parents are helping out grandparents with their shopping and delivering it to their door, you could leave something unexpected in the bag for them. It could be a cake, a book —anything that you know they love. Attach a note to let them know it’s from you and it could really help their mood.
