How to keep homebound loved ones safe and connected during COVID-19

Apr 29, 2020 by Maria Thompson



It’s a sad fact. When our loved ones are most alone, we can’t visit them. Because it’s harder for them to fight off the virus, stopping by could put them in danger.

That doesn’t mean that we don’t miss or worry about them. Human connections are vital, especially if Mom or Dad lives alone. Isolation can lead to loneliness, depression and anxiety.

Even though you can’t visit in person, you can still stay connected.

Telehealth to the rescue

Telehealth is a suite of devices designed to monitor your loved one’s health when they’re homebound. It also provides a way to keep in touch.

The tablet in each telehealth kit allows Mom or Dad to easily text, video conference or receive your latest photos. (Nothing beats seeing each other’s smiling faces.)

How it works

Your Mom or Dad’s telehealth kit is delivered straight to their home. In addition to their tablet, there are options to include devices to monitor their health. The kit contents vary according to your loved one’s needs.

Some examples include:

• Blood pressure cuff


• Pulse oximeter


• Scale

The daily process:

• Your loved one checks their vitals and through Bluetooth technology, the vital signs are recorded on their tablet. (It’s easy!)


• They answer a series of questions to monitor their specific health conditions, and signs and symptoms of the coronavirus.


• A nurse reviews your loved one’s information and contacts them if they have any questions or concerns. If concerns arise, the nurse will communicate them with your loved one’s physician.

Mom or Dad can contact the nurse or make a call right from their tablet if they have questions.

They’ll have more frequent check-ins without anyone entering their home, thus limiting their possible exposure to the virus.

Their tablet also includes education and assistance to support your loved one at home:

• Nutrition information and guidance based on your loved one’s particular diseases or conditions


• Educational videos and articles that teach them more about their specific diseases or conditions

Telehealth provides the support your Mom or Dad needs to monitor their health from the comfort of home while also limiting possible exposure to the coronavirus.

It also supports their emotional health by providing a way to stay connected to loved ones.

Telehealth offers connections and health monitoring that enhance your loved one’s quality of life and give you peace of mind.

Find out how telehealth can help your loved one

Visit our Telehealth website or call (320) 759-1273. Our hours are 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.