Guide to keeping in touch with long-distance family

Keeping in touch with friends and family at any age can be a struggle. But, as we get older and mobility starts to deteriorate, it can become harder to get out and about to socialise, especially with those who live further afield.

In this guide, we talk about some of the simple ways in which you can stay connected to family and friends, from regular video calls to WhatsApp group chats. Keep reading to find out how to keep in touch with long-distance family.

Stay connected over the internet

The internet is an amazing way to stay connected with your loved ones, whether they live around the corner or hundreds of miles away. There are so many ways in which you can feel close to them, whether that is through the use of a phone or your home computer. Below are some of the easy apps and websites you can use to help you feel less lonely, especially if you struggle with mobility and rely on aids like home lifts.

WhatsApp

WhatsApp is an app used across the globe and is a safe and encrypted way to send messages, make phone calls, send voice notes and video calls long-distance family. The app is easy to use for those who may not understand technology as well, as friends and family can set up family group chats so you can keep up to date with the whole family, all in one chat. The app is free to download and can be used on Apple and Android, as well as online.

Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger is a common form of communication and again is very easy and simple to use. The app has many of the same features as WhatsApp and again is free to download but may feel more familiar to those who are used to using Facebook. Facebook Messenger can also be used on a computer or laptop, as well as Apple and android phones.

Skype

Skype is a video-calling platform that is commonly used by businesses for larger meetings with more participants but can also be a good choice for those who are looking to enjoy video calls with a wide family or a large group of friends. Again, the platform is free and can be used worldwide on both desktop computers and smartphones.

Facetime

For those who have an Apple phone or computer, there are lots of built-in options that allow you to stay close to friends and relatives, one of those being Facetime. An app built into phones, Facetime allows you to video call your contacts and see and hear them. Be aware this is only available to Apple users.

Write letters

A thoughtful and meaningful way of keeping in touch with your loved ones is by writing letters. Although the action of writing letters may feel like something of the past, it can be a really touching way to share your updates and thoughts with the people you’re sending them to. If you’re planning to send a letter, you can add photos or postcards as well; this will add an extra element of thoughtfulness to an already thoughtful gesture.

Set up regular visits

If your mobility stops you from being as active as you once might have been, then making plans with your family and friends in advance will take the pressure off and will give you something exciting to look forward to. Get some dates in the diary ahead of time, this could be them coming to visit you or you are being picked up and taken out for a coffee or lunch. Sometimes, just having plans in the diary can make someone feel like they have a purpose and something to keep them motivated.

Send emails

Writing a letter might be a struggle if you find using your hands hard at times, so maybe consider writing an email instead. Although you will still need to use your hands to type, you can take it at your own pace and can avoid the strain of holding a pen for too long and there are often functions that allow audio users to do audio to text script. Emails are a quicker way to communicate and mean you might even get a response the same day!

Other great ways to stay in contact with friends and family:

• Send care packages

• Play online multiplayer games

• Become friends on social media

If you’re looking for ways to keep in contact with family and friends that you might not see as often as you would like, then hopefully this guide has given you some ideas on how you can do so.

If you want to feel more mobile in your home, then take a look at our range of homelifts for the disabled. For more useful articles like this, then make sure you look at our blog.