Moving a loved one into assisted living can bring about mixed emotions for families. While it can provide much-needed support and care for seniors, it may also feel challenging to maintain the close relationships and regular contact you once had. Fortunately, there are many ways to stay connected with your loved ones in assisted living, ensuring they feel loved and supported while also promoting their emotional well-being.
At Encore Communities, we understand how important it is for families to maintain strong connections, even when physical distance or changes in daily routines occur. With a few strategies and some helpful technology tools, families can continue to nurture meaningful relationships and stay involved in their loved ones’ lives. Let’s explore some effective ways to stay connected.
1. Schedule Regular Visits and Activities
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to stay connected with your loved ones in assisted living is through regular in-person visits. While visits may not be as frequent as they once were, having scheduled times to visit can provide both you and your loved one with something to look forward to. It also helps you stay engaged with their daily routine and care needs.
Here are some tips for making the most of your visits:
- Plan ahead: Set a regular visiting schedule (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly) and mark it on both your and your loved one’s calendar. This ensures everyone knows when the next visit is coming up.
- Bring personal touches: Bring items from home, like family photos, favorite snacks, or a good book, to make the visit more special and personalized.
- Join in on activities: Many assisted living communities, like Encore Communities, offer a wide range of social activities, including art classes, games, and outings. Join in on these activities with your loved one whenever possible to make the visit more interactive.
2. Utilize Technology for Virtual Connections
For families who live far away or have busy schedules, technology can be a great solution for staying in touch. Virtual communication tools like video calls, text messages, and social media platforms make it easier to connect with your loved one from a distance.
Here are some tech-savvy ways to stay connected:
- Video calls: Platforms like Zoom, Skype, and FaceTime allow you to see your loved one in real-time, which helps bridge the gap created by distance. Assisted living communities, including those at Encore in Seattle or Silverdale, Washington, often have Wi-Fi and equipment available to support video calls.
- Online photo albums or social media: Share photos and updates through social media platforms or shared digital photo albums. This allows your loved one to see family moments and feel included in the day-to-day activities of your life.
- Digital communication tools: If your loved one enjoys reading emails or text messages, consider sending them updates or quick messages. Many assisted living facilities also offer email access, allowing seniors to stay in touch with family members.
3. Explore Interactive Solutions
In today’s digital age, there are also interactive communication solutions that can make it easier for seniors to stay connected. These platforms are designed to be senior-friendly, ensuring ease of use and fostering engagement.
Some interactive tools include:
- Tablets and smart devices: Devices like the GrandPad tablet offer easy access to video calling, games, and photos in one simple device. Some communities even offer tablet-based solutions to assist residents with staying connected to family and friends.
- Voice-activated technology: Devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Home can help seniors send messages, make phone calls, and even control home appliances with simple voice commands, making it easier for them to stay connected with loved ones and manage their daily routines.
4. Encourage Regular Communication from Family and Friends
For families who live nearby or in different parts of the country, encouraging regular communication is essential. With multiple family members potentially involved, it’s helpful to establish a system that ensures your loved one is receiving regular calls, cards, or messages.
Ways to stay engaged include:
- Create a family communication calendar: If multiple people are involved in keeping in touch with your loved one, consider using a shared digital calendar (like Google Calendar) where each family member can sign up for certain days to make a call or send a message.
- Write letters and cards: Encourage family and friends to write handwritten letters or cards. This personal touch can go a long way in making your loved one feel connected and valued.
- Organize virtual family gatherings: While in-person visits may not always be possible, scheduling virtual family gatherings can be a great way to connect everyone. Consider hosting a regular virtual meet-up via video call so everyone can check in and enjoy each other’s company.
5. Utilize the Community’s Support and Resources
At Encore Communities, we recognize the importance of family involvement and communication in ensuring our residents feel supported. Our staff is committed to helping families stay connected, whether through assisting with virtual calls, helping with tech setup, or suggesting ways for families to engage with their loved ones.
Encore Communities also offers a variety of resources that help families stay involved:
- Activity calendars and newsletters: Receive updates on events, programs, and activities happening within the community, so you can discuss these topics during your visits or calls.
- Family support groups: Some senior communities, including Encore, offer family support groups where loved ones can share experiences, advice, and connect with others going through similar experiences.
- Staff involvement: Our caregivers and staff members understand the importance of family connections and will assist in ensuring your loved one stays connected with you during their time at our community.
6. Celebrate Special Occasions Together
Even if you can’t be physically present for every special occasion, celebrating important milestones — such as birthdays, holidays, or anniversaries — can help keep the bond strong. You can use technology to arrange surprise virtual celebrations or coordinate with the community to ensure that your loved one receives thoughtful gifts or visits during these times.
Staying Connected with Loved Ones
Staying connected with loved ones in assisted living doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right strategies and a little creativity, families can bridge the gap and keep relationships strong. Whether you’re utilizing technology, visiting regularly, or involving the community’s support, staying in touch ensures that your loved one’s emotional well-being is maintained, allowing them to feel valued and loved.
Ready to learn more about how Encore Communities supports family engagement? Visit our contact us page to schedule a tour or speak with one of our friendly team members. We’re here to help you and your loved one stay connected and supported every step of the way.
Sources:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6675046/
Dan is Vice President, Marketing of the Alumus family of companies. A Seattle native, he earned his BA in Humanities and Political Science at Evergreen State College. He started his career as a newspaper columnist, eventually transitioning into marketing and tech writing for Microsoft and several other startups. He later launched a successful creative agency focused on branding, digital marketing, and content production in Los Angeles, where he worked for several nursing and behavioral health clients, eventually becoming the National Marketing Director for one of them.
He has taught Vipassana mindfulness meditation and MBSR and spends whatever free time he has with his son snowboarding, hiking, and camping in the mountains.