Hi everyone,
I’ve been finding it a bit hard to stay close to a family member who isn’t nearby right now. Phone calls help, but sometimes they’re short or just don’t feel like enough. Lately, I’ve been sending small video messages free from here nothing fancy, just quick clips from my day or a few kind words. It feels a bit more personal and helps me feel connected, even from a distance. I’m still not sure if this is the best way, and I don’t want it to feel like too much for them. Has anyone else tried something like this? Or found simple ways to stay in touch during times like this? Would really appreciate hearing what works for you.
Thank you 
Good morning alishawinson
I read with interest your message above and the difficulty distance can bring when wanting to give support and maintain regular contact with family. Calls can seem impersonal and don`t give you a visual insight into how the family member is feeling on that particular day. Facetime is very useful and similar to the video calls you are currently doing. These are also free if you are on the same network or Apple. Other than that you are doing everything you can other than visiting when convenient. Is your family member getting any other form of support locally? It may also be worthwhile to make a call to our Support Helpline who may be able offer other alternatives. Their contact details are: 0800 090 2309.
Take care
Yvonne1
Hi alisonhawinson,
Thank you for writing here. Although there are many people who are not physically near a loved one (myself included), this is not talked about as much as it perhaps ought to.
Personally, I have established a similar routine with texts: every evening we say good night to each other, and I send a picture of something they like with my message. It really helps me to feel that the contact, while gentle, is constant. Before starting this, I asked my family member whether this suited them, as they had not used messages regularly before. We decided to give it a try, and it has been several years of nightly messages now. However, I would feel comfortable switching to something else if the situation changes.
I look forward to hearing other ideas from other Community members!
Take care,
Anke