Even those who may venture outside to socialize, particularly around the holiday season, may be hesitant or unable to do so to help prevent the spread of the virus. In these instances,
friends and loved ones can mitigate feelings of isolation in various ways. Metro Creative Connection
Help isolated loved ones
this holiday season
COURIER LIFE, DECEMBER 4-10, 2020 21
A phenomenon called
“cabin fever” tends to
set in around late autumn
or in midwinter. Long
hours of darkness coupled
with cold, inclement weather
often is a recipe for increased
time spent indoors. For people
who live alone, the effects
of cabin fever might be more
pronounced.
In addition to seasonal
cabin fever, this year another
factor comes into play: social
distancing and voluntary
quarantine as a result of the
novel coronavirus COVID-19.
Even those who may venture
outside to socialize, particularly
around the holiday season,
may be hesitant or unable
to do so to help prevent
the spread of the virus. In
these instances, friends and
loved ones can mitigate feelings
of isolation in various
ways.
• Schedule video chats.
Video conferencing apps
have become the communication
vehicles of choice
during the era of social distancing.
Different applications
and services continue
to evolve and help people stay
in touch. Plan regular chats,
either once or twice per week
with isolated or vulnerable
people. Try to organize a
large group chat on the holiday
itself so no one has to
spend Christmas or Chanukah
alone.
• Drop off supplies. Even
though supermarket shopfrom
home and other delivery
services have normalized
somewhat since the start of
the pandemic, treat individuals
who may be isolated to
some personalized attention.
Put together care packages
of supplies or holiday treats
and deliver them in person
so you can see the smiles that
result from being able to visit
with someone familiar.
• Send uplifting messages.
Children or even adults can
make personalized cards
and mail them to loved ones
at home or those who may be
in long-term care facilities.
Send new mailings every
week or two so that residents
always have something to
look forward to in the mail.
• Start a virtual club. A
book club or another shared
interest can be the catalyst
for more frequent communication.
A club puts everyone
on the same page and enables
them to come together, via
phone or video chat, for a discussion.
• Ask for help learning a
new skill. Along the same
vein as a virtual club, lessons
on everything from
woodworking to crochet to
making favorite holiday recipes
can be conducted online.
Give an isolated individual
daily purpose and distraction
by engaging him or her
with online lessons.
Isolation and feelings of
loneliness can affect anyone
who normally suffers
from cabin fever. However,
this year it may be more
pronounced, as it could be
coupled with social distancing
precautions that have already
been in effect for some
time.
— Metro Creative Connection
Health