Maintaining Social Connections!
- Paulina Malcolm
- Apr 21, 2020
- 1 min read
During these uncertain times of physical distancing, we realize that many people with dementia and their care partners may be feeling lonely and socially isolated.
ZOOM is one virtual tool that is increasingly being used to help people maintain social connections. It is being used informally by families to host get-togethers and by support programs to reach out. For example, you can attend a virtual Dementia café (updates and contact here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Community-Service/Dementia-Cafe-A-Place-to-Belong-2611577718917565/).
This being said, we also understand that using technology can be intimidating and difficult. We’d like to help you get connected.
We’ve pulled together some useful links to help you feel more comfortable with ZOOM.
This short video helps explain what ZOOM is and walks through the process of connecting. Zoom – virtual meeting guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilK0WAS3Kt4
This document provides written guidelines for understanding and using ZOOM: https://www.dementiavoices.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Zoomettes-Guide-to-ZOOM-Version-Dec-2019.pdf
Importantly, if you’d like some one-on-one assistance to help you get set up, please contact Paulina Malcolm, at paulina.malcolm@ubc.ca
That’s such an important point to raise. It's easy to forget that while everyone is dealing with the isolation of physical distancing, the challenges are magnified exponentially for people with dementia and their care partners. The loss of routine and social connections—which are vital for cognitive health—must be creating a huge strain, leading to feelings of loneliness and added stress. It highlights the need for specialized support right now. ragdoll hit
This is such an important reminder of how vital social connections are, especially during times of isolation. Just like staying connected enriches our lives, Canadian book illustrators help connect readers with stories through beautiful and meaningful artwork
Thank you, Paulina, for sharing these helpful resources! Staying socially connected is so important, especially during times of isolation. For those who may also be navigating legal or healthcare paperwork related to caregiving or dementia support, using a legal writing service can ensure your documents are clear, accurate, and professionally prepared. Just like Zoom bridges communication gaps, the right support services can ease other stressful tasks too.
It's encouraging to see solutions like ZOOM enable persons with dementia and their caregivers keep connected during these difficult times. While many rely on virtual support, other students seek assistance in unexpected places, such as asking someone to take my hesi exam for me in the midst of stress and solitude.
It was a little tough for my grandmother, who suffers from dementia, during the lockdown, as it made it difficult to be connected to the outside world. We used the resources of our local dementia cafe through Zoom to join. More than that, I was also trying to complete my thesis when I finally found some very Affordable thesis binding services from Canada. Such services became such a blessing, like support systems for relieving pressure. Under such conditions, this is possible, and if someone is still feeling overwhelmed, checking out the guide on how to use Zoom will help them!