The holiday season is usually a time spent hanging with family, cooking bountiful meals, and exchanging gifts. But for seniors spending the holiday away from family, the holidays can feel isolating. Fortunately, technology can help bridge the gap and help seniors enjoy the season.

Video calling is a great way for families to reach out to their loved one and make them feel happy and connected to the holiday festivities. Adult children and grandchildren, and even friends and others like a pastor, can keep in touch and brighten a resident’s day - especially when they’re not physically nearby. 

With Caavo, video calling with seniors is extremely easy because it all takes place on the television. Families don’t have to rely on your staff to start a call or bring in a laptop -- seniors can answer calls independently. When a call comes in, the TV will chime and prompt the senior to answer the call using their Caavo remote. 

Here are a tips for families to make the most of video calling this holiday season:

1. Be Proactive

We suggest that family members initiate the call with the resident to make it as easy as possible for the senior. It’s often a wonderful way to surprise them with a familiar face on their television! Family members can video call the resident by using the Caavo Connect app on their cell phone, tablet, or even laptop. 

2. Have a Plan

If the pandemic showed us anything, it’s that video calls are a valuable tool for keeping connected and engaged, especially when we’re unable to be in the same room together. The most successful video calls are ones where both the family and the senior are engaged and involved. When popping onto the resident’s TV for a video chat, don’t forget to ask them how they’re doing and have them share some of the highlights of their week. 

3. Create Memorable Experiences

Consider how you can incorporate video calling during the course of your holiday festivities -- this will make a more exciting video call that will truly let the resident feel like they’re part of action. For example, when the family is gathered together on Christmas morning they could start a video call so their loved one can be present as the family opens their gifts! Even better, the family can send a gift as well and give their loved one an opportunity to open their present on camera!

4. Keep Traditions 

If the family has a tradition of cooking together, they can fire up the oven, prop a laptop up on the kitchen counter, and allow their loved one to be a part of the process. They may not get to taste the end result, but we can guarantee they’ll love being in the kitchen with family again!

Give the ultimate gift!

Oftentimes, the best gift a family can give their loved one is a meaningful conversation and including them in holiday plans. Caavo takes away the video calling friction and makes it easy for families to make the holiday season a little brighter for your residents!