Ideas to help morale of self-isolating elderly relatives

[CiorstanMI]

I'm looking for ideas of small, positive things we could all do to help keep up the morale of our elderly relatives who might have to self-isolate for an extended length of time. I've thought of a few possibilities so far and listed them below. Does anyone have any other suggestions?

1. Obviously regular phone calls
2. Skype, for those who are on the internet
3. I was also thinking that grandchildren sending drawings (for little ones) or letters (for older ones who can write) would be good (if there's a transmission risk via paper does anyone know how that might be handled?)
4. Regularly sending photos of grandchildren via mobile phones seems another obvious one
5. Have been wondering if there are any online games that are designed for small children that could be played remotely between grandparents and young grandchildren?
6. For those who are church-goers seeing if their church would/could consider broadcasting services over the internet so they could participate in services
7. A regular drop-off of interesting magazines
8. Creating your own mini remote reading group
9. Collecting and returning library books on their behalf (presumably would need to be carefully wiped down)

A friend and I sometimes plan to “have a coffee together/have a pizza together” ie we both get the same food and drink ready then Skype. I can’t quite explain why it feels like more of an event than just chatting.

We watch the same tv shows then call to chat about it.

I like that idea @8by8. Thanks 🙂

Ideas from Italy: Skype/WhatsApp aperitivo or coffee, remote film/TV/book clubs (get them a kindle or simple tablet), if they have a garden some seeds/bulbs to tend. Baking by video call (grandparents teach kids a recipe etc), art materials, jigsaw puzzles etc

As a an over 70 with children and grandchildren in other countries I would say the best thing is to be able to feel useful. We do a lot of helping with homework from the youngest who is eleven, to the oldest who is doing A level. I am helping eldest GD research universities and DH is great at finding resources for projects. We have the time to support them when their parents are stretched with work. We have even supervised remote breadmaking via Facetime with the older ones.

If people haven't got tablets or kindles then they are essential imo. Kindles are much easier for poorer eyesight and those with arthritis.
I am sure buying seeds is a good idea but it made me smile. We have thirty-six raised beds in full production!
If people haven't got a productive garden already then a portable raised bed with salad and tomato plants is a very good idea. Not just for the elderly in current circumstances.

Do you think libraries will stay open? Think they’re closing in US.Bit worried if they don’t.They are a life line for so many reasons.

Most of your suggestions are impossible for many - they are all internet-dependent.

My parents don’t have smartphones or a computer. They have one ancient non-internet brick phone that they never have switched on.

You can get a mobile broadband contract on a monthly basis. If you can get that and set up a tablet for a relative and drop it off that would be ideal - same with an Alexa or Google home. If you can afford to buy just one device I'd be tempted personally to go down the Alexa route as if you get a fire HD it has Alexa built in and they can read books as a Kindle. It also has built in accessibility features to make text larger.
In terms of games, I often play Scrabble with my mother in law, most online games if you connect to Facebook allow you to play with friends

Re OP 3)
Instead of postal letters use email or iMessages, still nice to receive, and easy for children to just send a couple of sentences every few days.

Older children could play chess with grandparents, each keeping a board with the chess game set up, and exchanging the moves via FaceTime, iMessenger etc as every square is identifiable.
There is probably a game in the App Store that does this, but DS & I just do it the old fashioned way.

@daisypond if there is any way you can get them connected then I'd seriously consider it. The internet can be a real lifeline. Friends have set their parents up with an Alexa as apparently it's easier for them to use.

Other ideas: learn a new skill following a book or cds? A craft, drawing, sewing, a language.

Yes, you could find online courses for those online (Future learn have some interesting stuff) or get 'teach yourself ...' books for those not online.

@missclimpson I like your suggestion about grandparents helping with homework remotely.

@AdaColeman re OP 3) - good plan, should have thought of that. The paper option is still there for those not on the internet. Thanks

My mum was never internet savvy but when we lived far apart we used to buy the same newspaper everyday and do the crossword together over the phone. We had free calls to each other though. We both loved it.

Have just spent time on Skype with GS who has ASD. He is quite stressed and we were able to talk him through difficult things that had happened in the past and how you have to get used to a new normal. Think it was helpful for him and we were glad we could help.