At MOST, we’re not just here to provide home care marketing tips and services; we share your passion for caring for older adults in our communities. And in a time of a global pandemic, this is not without its challenges, as you well know! It’s important to discover creative ways to safely help each other through these tumultuous times.
One way to accomplish this is through simple porch visits, since being outdoors is safer than indoors, and there’s plenty of room to ensure social distancing. Here’s what we’ve learned:
- Communicating isn’t easy. Talking with a senior who may have even a mild hearing deficit – and now is wearing a mask, six feet away – is frustrating. He or she can’t even see your smile or facial expressions to make an emotional connection. It can help to simply focus on listening to the senior, using nods and hand gestures, and to allow a comfortable silence. There’s comfort in the simple sound of two rocking chairs creaking together, letting the senior know he/she is not alone.
- Stay safe. The senior’s mask may slip down, or he/she may want to take it off, or to sit more closely together. And honestly, you may want to do the same! But it’s crucial to stay vigilant in protecting the senior by kindly but firmly insisting on keeping safety measures in place.
- Think about how the visit will end. Porch visits reveal how very lonely, isolated, and frightened seniors have become through the pandemic, and how much they crave the companionship of others. As a result, ending the visit may be challenging. Try planning for the next day you’ll visit again as you’re preparing to leave, and an activity you can do together then. And as difficult as it may be, forego a good-bye hug, instead using a gesture such as crossing your arms across your chest to indicate a virtual hug.
As a home care provider, you and your team are already experiencing the heartbreaking reality of the pandemic on seniors each day. We’re humbled to share the aging care journey with you with additional home care marketing tips and services, as well as SEO and PPC services to make sure your agency is found online when a care need arises. Contact our aging care team at MOST at 800.370.6580, x3, to let us know how we can help with the right home care marketing plan.
