How Families Can Stay In Touch After A Loved One Moves To Senior Living

At Bayshire San Dimas, we recognize how difficult it can feel for a senior to feel distant from their aging loved one. Moving them to senior living can feel heartbreaking for many families. While it can be exciting to say yes to new beginnings, it’s equally daunting as well. The fear of the unknown is accompanied by feelings of anxiety, loss, and sometimes abandonment. However, there are various ways families can stay in touch with their loved ones after they transition to senior living. Here’s how families can keep their loved ones involved after moving into senior living.

In-Person And Real-Time Communication

To stay in touch with their loved ones in senior living, families should plan to pay regular visits to the community. Likewise, they can embrace technology to connect with them over phone calls or video chat. Here’s how they can proceed with all this:

Schedule Regular Visits

Nothing beats the contentment and sense of relief that one gets via meeting their loved one in person. While visiting once or twice a week is a common and good frequency, monthly visits might be optimal for those staying far away from their loved ones. Creating a schedule that works for both the family and their loved one is recommended.

Using Technology For Real-Time Connection

There are plenty of technological measures families can use to stay connected with their loved ones living at a distance. Commonly used measures include video calling apps like Zoom and FaceTime, easy-to-use smartphones and tablets, and wearable devices with communication features. Even using simple messaging apps proves to be a worthwhile way to help them engage with their aging loved one.

Coordinate Group Calls

Is there anything better than engaging with a loved one over a video call? Definitely it is! Doing a group video chat can be an exciting way for families to connect with their loved ones. Using a simple app like Google Meet or FaceTime would do the job for them. For greater ease, there are suggested apps like Oscar Senior or CallGenie.

Bridging The Distance

Living far apart is never meant to affect a family’s ability to stay connected to their loved one. There are countless other measures as well, which allow family members to continue sharing a loving bond with their loved one in senior living. They can send mail and greeting cards or wish them well on special occasions. Here’s how they can do this:

Send Physical Mail

Often deemed as outdated by many, sending physical mail is still a thing. This would be especially liked by those seniors who are not very comfortable with using technology. Family members can write them letters or send cards. Receiving them would offer seniors a bright spot in their routine. It also makes them feel remembered and cared for, while providing a sense of connection to the outside world.

Use Digital Photo Frames

Families can go digital and send digital photo frames to their senior loved ones. It will allow them to share photos remotely. They can easily and instantly add photos via app or email to keep seniors updated about their memories. Kids who are used to using technology can capture every moment to share it on the digital frame.

Embrace Social Media

Sharing updates on social media is another excellent way to stay connected with aging loved ones. There are numerous social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat, that seniors can use to stay connected with their family and friends. They can capture the community life via photos and videos and share them with the family. Likewise, family and friends can share their life updates and memories with the seniors through social media. It could be anything from a milestone birthday to an anniversary celebration.

Staying Involved And Connected

Visiting the community never means just having a conversation and assuring loved ones of their well-being. The senior living community itself has various measures in place that foster group participation. Additionally, families can send a surprise gift package that would fill their loved one with joy.

Engage In Shared Hobbies

Families can plan a visit to the community as a revisit to their loved one’s past, too. They need to think about all their favorite hobbies from when they were younger. Now they can adapt these shared hobbies and activities to their current abilities and preferences. These activities and puzzles could include reading a book, solving a puzzle, listening to music, cooking, or gardening.

Send Care Packages

Sending care packages could be an exciting way to remind seniors about their pastimes and positive memories. Family members can fill this caring package with their loved one’s favorite treats, books, photos, or other personal items. Additionally, they can send comfort items like soft blankets, fuzzy socks, and warm slippers. Sending practical items, such as easy-to-read books and craft supplies, is another way to express what the senior’s relationship means to them. They can also send some decor items for the seniors to personalize their space.

Encourage Community Involvement

Encouraging loved ones to participate in various community activities and events is another worthwhile step family members can take. It helps them build social networks and relationships with peers. They can accompany the seniors during the early days of transition. Additionally, they can create a relationship with the staff to provide better information about the loved one’s healthcare needs and personal preferences.

Bayshire San Dimas – Fostering Connections, Joy, And A Sense Of Belonging For Everyone

At Bayshire San Dimas, we understand how vital it is for seniors to maintain relationships with their families even after moving to a senior living community. They need to understand that moving to senior living does not mean ending relationships with loved ones. Instead, it’s an opportunity for them to deepen their bond with their families, fostering more engaging and meaningful relationships.

The goal isn’t to stay in continuous touch but to share and cherish even the smallest moments of togetherness. Setting up their new place, paying physical visits, video calling, and sharing meals in the community are among the best ways families can stay connected with their aging loved ones in a senior living community.

Those seeking a homelike senior living option for their aging loved one can contact us at Bayshire San Dimas. We boast a socially enriched space that fosters connections, joy, and a sense of togetherness for seniors. Residents enjoy access to tailored care plans and lavish amenities. We are proud to offer a wide range of care options under one roof. Based on your needs and requirements, you can choose a caring setting.