How To Stay Connected When You’re Sick

One of the challenges for hospice patients is feeling disconnected from their circle of loved ones and friends. If these negative feelings aren’t addressed, they can lead to depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, neither of these provides quality in a limited life span.

Ways to Stay Connected

If you’re a home care patient with St. Bernardine Care Providers, you may be temporarily homebound. The good news is that you don’t have to feel lonely or bored during this time. Instead, try these three suggestions for staying in touch with family and friends.

1. Social Media

If you don’t have a social media account, now’s the best time to open one. Most of them are free, and you can tailor them to your preferences. You’ll also find that many folks in your circle are members, and you can chat with them or send messages.

There are several social media platforms from which to choose. You can send and receive pictures or videos. Some venues have features where you can video chat with anyone you wish. You can connect to your social media platforms on your PC or any other mobile device.

2. Cell Phone Calls

Remember back in the old days when you had to pay for long-distance calls? Then, to save money, you waited to call after 7 p.m. when rates were cheaper. Now, you can contact your out-of-town family and friends anytime on your smartphone plan.

When the quiet at home gets to you, pick up your phone and call someone. It’s the next best thing to having a conversation in person. Even better, you could use a free computer app like Skype so you can see each other while you chat.

3. Snail Mail

Did you ever exchange letters with a pen pal? Unfortunately, email and other computer programs have made friendly post letters obsolete. They can’t compare to the joy of receiving a letter or card from a friend in the mailbox.

You can start with somebody in your circle if you don’t have a pen pal. Also, you can research websites dedicated to matching people with pen pals locally and worldwide. Then, for the price of a postage stamp, you can share stories with anybody you like.

4. Text Messages

Text messaging has become the new way to communicate. So even if you don’t feel the best and are having a tough day, you can use a text message to keep in touch. The good thing about text messages is that you can control the conversation and dictate how long or short the duration is.

Final Thoughts

We encourage our patients to stay connected with their family and friends for emotional support and socialization. Being in hospice is a challenging process, but we’re here to make things as easy as possible.