COVID-19 Safety Protocol
Life has been defined over the past few months based on what is and is not essential in our lives. It has and continues to be our assertion that hearing is essential. That is why we have continued to offer our services in our offices, as well as telehealth and via drop boxes.
While we are eager to be able to serve and care for our patients our concern for your safety is paramount. Therefore, we will continue to use the following safety precautions:
- We encourage patients to utilize our drop box for their routine clean-and-check appointments. This allows us to reduce in-person contact and maintain safe social distancing.
If you need services that require coming into the office, such as programming adjustments, wax removal, hearing evaluations, hearing device fittings, and immediate follow-up appointments, will continue to follow the precautions listed below:
- To limit the number of people in the lobby we ask that you not come to the office before your scheduled time.
- You can call the office when you arrive in the parking lot and we can let you know when the doctor is ready, and the lobby is cleared of other patients.
- We encourage a family member to join you at your appointment, please limit this to one member.
- Please wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before your appointment.
- We will be asking screening questions about your health and any possible exposure to COVID-19 while confirming appointments.
- In compliance with the Colorado guidelines we require all patients wear a mask for the entirety of their appointments in our office.
How to Socially Distance without Socially Isolating
“Social distancing” is a key way we can help to reduce the rate of the spread of coronavirus by reducing close contact with other humans, especially large groups. It involves staying away from crowded restaurants, stores, and events as well as putting 6 feet of space between people. One important distinction is that social distancing does NOT have to be the same as social isolation. Social isolation is one of the risk-factors of hearing loss and can be very detrimental in the long run. Social isolation has correlations with loneliness, depression, cognitive decline, and dementia. For more information on Social Isolation, please request a free copy of the book Isolation Is Optional, co-authored by Dr. Whitney Swander.
What can you do to “socially distance” without “socially isolating”?
Walk around the block with a neighbor.
Be prudent and make sure they have low risk of exposure, but they will probably appreciate the company as well. Not to mention, the fresh air and exercise will do you both good!
Invite a close friend over to share a meal.
Use the same prudence as above, but spend a little time with someone you may not get to see often.
Be a helper! Drop off a meal for someone who may need it.
With places like senior centers and churches closed down, some people may not be getting services or meals that they usually get assistance with. You could be a blessing to others by providing some of their basic needs.
Send an encouraging note to an old friend or family member.
Make a point to send more positive texts, emails or even better, snail mailed cards and letters. They’ll appreciate the encouragement and you will feel good about it too! Who knows- it may even rekindle some old relationships!
Wear your hearing aids!
Hearing better is about stimulating your brain, even when it feels like there is not much to hear. You will benefit from wearing them during this period of social distancing, and that will help you have less to re-adapt to once life gets back to normal.
Wear your hearing aids!
Hearing better is about stimulating your brain, even when it feels like there is not much to hear. You will benefit from wearing them during this period of social distancing, and that will help you have less to re-adapt to once life gets back to normal.
Call or Video call your grandkids!
With many kids out of school for the next few weeks, your grandchildren will have lots of time on their hands too and your adult children may be happy to have them entertained for a while! You can even play games like charades on video chat or mad libs over the phone.
Have conversations, play games, or watch movies.
If you’re socially distancing yourself with someone you live with, don’t spend the time watching separate TVs or reading books. Be intentional about having conversations, playing games, like dominos, cards or board games, or watching movies you all enjoy. See below for suggestions of conversation starters!
- What is your all-time favorite movie?
- What is your favorite book?
- Share memories from your favorite vacation
- What is your favorite food that others may find odd?
- What was your first job?
- How did you spend the money from your very first job?
- What were some of your favorite holiday traditions from childhood?
- When is the most interesting time in history? Why?
- What are you most grateful for in your life?
Utilize online streaming services.
Many churches and places of worship are cancelling weekend services but are making their services available online. If you have the ability to stream them to your phone or computer, do that. It will make you feel connected from afar.
Call us!
If you don’t have anyone to call, call us! We’ll be happy to spend some time chatting with you! We’re all in this together!