When your family member moves into a Marco Island senior living facility, it can be difficult for you to remain connected with them from a distance. You may feel like you’re missing out on the little moments that make up their day-to-day lives and are unable to help them when they need it most. But there are some simple things that you can do from afar that will make a big difference in their lives.
Here are five ideas that you can use to stay connected with your elderly family member or friend:
Keep in Regular Contact
Video calls are an amazing way of staying in touch with a family member without having to leave home. It allows you both to talk face-to-face, no matter how far apart you are. Many senior living facilities have computers set up specifically for this purpose so that residents can keep in touch with their families easily and conveniently.
No matter how far apart you are, you need to talk to each other often to keep your relationship strong. Make sure to call, video call, or write letters at least once a week so they know they are always on your mind. This will help them feel heard and loved even when you cannot be there with them in person.
Send Care Packages
Care packages are an easy way of showing your loved one just how much they mean to you while also providing them with everyday essentials they might need (such as toiletries). These can be sent directly from online stores or put together by you and shipped over via postal service; either way, your thoughtful gesture will not go unnoticed.
You may send a little box of goodies, which can go a long way! Fill up care packages with items like snacks, books, magazines, art supplies, games, or anything else that will bring joy to their day-to-day life. It’s an easy way to show them how much you appreciate them and think of them while they’re away from home.
Participate in Activities Together
Senior living facilities often host activities such as yoga classes, art classes, game nights, movie nights, etc., giving residents the chance to socialize and stay active while also having some fun.
But if possible, try to join in on activities that your loved one participates in at their senior living facility from the comfort of your own home! Whether it’s playing virtual bingo or doing yoga together over Zoom, find activities that both of you enjoy and make time for them every week.
Look For Volunteer Opportunities
Another great way to show your support is by volunteering at the senior living facility where your loved one resides. Reach out to the staff and see what opportunities are available for remote volunteers who want to make an impact from afar! Even if it’s something as small as reading stories over Skype or helping with homework assignments over FaceTime, every little bit helps!
Show Up At Special Events
Retirement communities put on lots of special events throughout the year, such as birthdays and holidays—make sure to plan ahead and make time for these occasions. You don’t have to be physically present, but sending virtual cards or video messages will remind your loved one how much they mean to you, no matter how far away they may be.
And if time allows for it and local regulations permit it, visiting your family member in person is always an option! It’s important that visits are kept brief so as not to interfere too much with other residents’ routines, but simply being there for them when they need it most is sure enough!
Staying connected with someone who lives in a senior living facility doesn’t have to be hard work; just pick one (or all) of these five suggestions and start showing some extra love today! By setting aside some time each week for communication, sending thoughtful gifts, participating in activities together, volunteering remotely, and attending special events virtually, you’ll be sure to create lasting memories with your elderly family member or loved one despite any physical distance that may exist between you two.
