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COVID-19 HOLIDAY GUIDE

LOOKING OUT FOR THE LONELY

HODPOEIFNYRGOIEUWNAEDRL!EL ACCORDING TO PEW Research Center data, an estimated 27% of U.S. adults ages 60 and older
live by themselves.

While loneliness isn’t an issue for everyone who lives alone, those who are already lonely
might find those feelings are heightened during the holiday season or because of the COVID-19
pandemic.
If you have a loved one who lives alone and is feeling disconnected, try some of these tips to help:

»» Show them you care. Just a card in the mail or a dinner dropped off on the porch can let
someone know you’re thinking about them.

»» Talk it out. COVID-19 might limit in-person visits, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still
communicate by phone or video calls. Schedule time to check in on loved ones who might be
lonely.

»» Help them with hobbies. Enjoying a hobby can occupy empty time. If your loved one has a
hobby, pick up some supplies they need the next time you’re out. If they don’t have a hobby,
puzzles, paint-by-number kits and cross stitch supplies makes great gifts!

COVID-19 & GIVE BACK

HOLIDAY Learn how you can support nonprofits in the
community affected by COVID-19.
STRESS
IT’S THE SEASON of giving, but Donate to those with
HOLIDAYS CAN BE stressful even during the best of times, giving looks a little different this developmental challenges.
but this year will be hard on everyone. Whether you can’t be year. While many charities rely Organizations such as the Kay
with your family in person or you’re grieving a the loss of a on fundraising events to provide Service Center in Fort Valley or
loved one, here are a few tips to help you cope. for their organizations, most of the Arc of Putnam County can
»» Plan ahead. Set boundaries on your time and attention. these events have been canceled use your help.
due to COVID-19. Here are some
Be sure to allow time for yourself by taking time to ways you can safely give to a Give blood: American Red
exercise, read or enjoy a hobby. charity or nonprofit in need. Cross. Blood drives are open and
»» Connect virtually. If you can’t get together in person, safe. Find a local blood drive at
gather over Zoom or Facetime. You can safely socialize, Donate to programs that offer www.redcrossblood.org/give.
play games and even enjoy meals at the same time. services for struggling women html/find-drive.
»» Say no. If you aren’t comfortable traveling right now or and men: Rescue Mission of
feel uneasy about participating in a gift swap, don’t do it. Middle Georgia Inc. or Daybreak Give to children in need:
»» Take care of yourself. Get enough sleep and exercise, Day Resource Center. They Hephzibah Children’s
and make sure you’re eating healthy in between the big take items to meet basic needs, Association or the Methodist
holiday meals. such as cleaning supplies and Home for Children and Youth.
»» Call someone. If you’re having difficulty dealing with personal care items. Check out the organizations’
stress, help is available. Call a friend or a physician to websites to find items of need.
talk through your issues. Donate to a volunteer
healthcare clinic: Macon NAVICENT HEALTH
IF YOU’RE STRUGGLING WITH HOLIDAY STRESS AND Volunteer Clinic. The clinic FOUNDATION IS ALWAYS
NEED PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE, NAVICENT HEALTH takes cash donations to continue ACCEPTING DONATIONS TO
NOW OFFERS VIRTUAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH. SEE providing free medical and dental SUPPORT PROGRAMS IN OUR
THE ARTICLE ON PAGE 13 TO LEARN MORE. care to medically underserved COMMUNITY! VISIT WWW.
individuals in Bibb County. NAVICENTHEALTH.ORG/
8 navicenthealth.org | WINTER 2020 DONATE TO LEARN MORE.