What if the COVID-19 crisis had happened just ten years ago? Smart phones had not become commonplace yet and the iPad was new on the scene. Social distancing would have been a much different experience back then!
Thankfully, devices to help us communicate with each another are commonplace today. We can always fall back on the traditional phone call, but your choices no longer end there. Below are some tips for taking advantage of phone or tablet technology to stay in touch with loved ones, from inside a hospital or from home.
Choose Your App
The first step is to find an app that both you and your loved one can use to connect. There are a variety of free apps on The App Store (or the iPhone or iPad) and Google Play (for Android devices).
If your phone or tablet has a camera, you can use one of the apps that lets you make a video call. It can really boost your day to see a loved one’s friendly face during your conversation!
FaceTime is the most commonly used Apple app for video calls. On Android devices, Google Duo is a common choice. Both of these video chat apps come standard on smartphones and tablets.
You’re not limited to those two choices, however. Apps like Skype, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Viber will also connect you to others via voice calling, video calling or text messages.
If you have a loved one in the hospital, look for the app of their choice to make it easier for them to stay in touch with you and others.
Get Connected
Don’t be shy about starting the conversation when a loved one has been admitted to the hospital — they may prefer to reply to a message, especially if this type of technology is new to them.
Hospital patients will have instructions in their room for connecting to the guest Wi-Fi network in their facility. If they need assistance, someone on the care team will be more than happy to help. They know that the support of friends, family and other loved ones can do wonders to help people heal faster!
Stay updated on what Bon Secours is doing related to COVID-19.
