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The novel coronavirus pandemic has hatched a new term–‘social distancing’ It’s an oxymoron.
The word ‘social’ is an adjective, which means ‘relating to society or its organization. ‘Distance’ means ‘an amount of space between things.’ So, if we are to be ‘needing companionship and therefore best suited to living in communities’ (the second definition of social) and we also have ‘remoteness’, (the second definition of distance), then I rest my case.
Plainly said, we aren’t supposed to be around each other so much, because either of us could be carrying COVID-19, and not know it.
Our government, communities, schools, hospitals, and other public places have put social distancing into motion, quickly. Offices have closed. Limits have been placed upon who and how many may make hospital visits. Children are studying either online, or doing homework sent from the school district to home. Restaurants are now on a drive-through basis.
But the group who stands to be the hardest hit from social distancing? Our senior citizens.
Whether at home, in assisted living, or in a skill-care facility, our country’s seniors are considered to be the most vulnerable population in regard to the coronavirus symptoms and effects, because of the respiratory troubles the virus causes. This could mean pneumonia, or worse for our parents and grandparents. So most doctors and facilities have had to shut its doors to visitors, TFN. The lack of interaction with family members and friends from the outside, might be devastating to many in homes.
Will Huddleston reached out to us, with a couple of suggestions, to help combat senior loneliness.
With children at home, here is a great way to brighten the days for residents, teach your children how to show compassion for others and also show the world an random act of simple kindness that encourage and brighten their days.
Have your children write sweet, encouraging notes, draw pictures, color pictures, etc., then snapshot or scan and email to Ashley Traweek aktraweek@gmail.com. She will see that these get to the residents. You have no idea what this will mean to these seniors as these begin to roll in…flood the email box and let’s see what impact this has upon the recipients and the senders.
We understand that Ashley works for a group that is in charge of several local facilities; yet she is working to get any area facilities’ emails added to the list. Please do contact her. We think that this is a fantastic idea.