Since the COVID-19 crisis began, families have been practicing social distancing. Still, there are many ways to connect with your loved ones from afar. For instance, there are many virtual activities you can do with your loved ones.
Try Video Conferencing
There are online conferencing programs that you can download for free. These programs allow you to use both picture and audio to see and speak with people via computer. The programs are easy to use, and you could even set up daily or weekly appointments to meet with your family and friends. It’s the closest thing you can get to a face-to-face meeting with someone.
Listen to Audiobooks
Several online programs allow you to download audiobooks on your smartphone. Your local library may even have free apps you can download using your library card. Once you download an app, you can listen to your books while traveling to appointments or doing errands. You can choose the same audiobook as a family member and listen to it during the same week. Then, chat via phone or computer to discuss what you liked or disliked about the book. You can even create your own book club.
Play Virtual Games
If you enjoy card games or word games, you will find plenty of virtual activities you can do with your loved ones. Many sites on the web allow you to play games with a friend. As long as you’re both logged on to the site at the same time, you can play either with or against each other. Some people even host online card parties that involve more than two players.
You can combat the loneliness of social distancing by staying in contact with your family via phone and computer. Try video conferencing, playing games and listening to audiobooks. You may be surprised at how connected and satisfied these activities can make you feel.
Jimmy Clonaris is Managing Partner at BlueDot Cares, where he oversees operations, caregiver standards, and service delivery for in-home care across the organization. With more than 19 years of experience in healthcare and over a decade with BlueDot, he has been directly involved in building and scaling care programs that support individuals aging at home.
His work focuses on the practical side of care delivery. This includes caregiver training and oversight, care plan consistency, and coordination with families and local healthcare professionals. Jimmy is actively involved in ensuring that care is not only well-structured on paper, but executed reliably in the home.
Over the course of his career, he has worked with thousands of families navigating care decisions, from short-term recovery support to long-term in-home care. His approach is grounded in clear communication, accountability, and building systems that allow caregivers to deliver consistent, high-quality support.
Under his leadership, BlueDot Cares has grown to support tens of thousands of families while maintaining a locally operated, relationship-driven model. He continues to focus on strengthening the team, improving care standards, and ensuring families have a dependable partner when care is needed.
