Moving your loved ones to a senior living community can be a difficult decision to make, especially if you can’t see them frequently. No matter how hard you try to spend quality time with them, certain circumstances, like distance or tight schedules, won’t allow you to do so.
However, you must understand that your senior loved ones might feel lonely and isolated if you don’t take some time off to interact with them. Fortunately, there are various fun and innovative ways to help you stay connected with them, whether you’re nearby or you live on the opposite side of the world.
So, if you want your senior loved ones to feel more socially engaged and happier, below are the three creative ways to connect with them, even if they’re in a senior living community:
- Spend Time With Them Through Technology
In today’s modern world, technology has helped people across the globe stay connected. This communication advantage also applies to your senior loved ones living in nursing home facilities. With various technological advancements, you can virtually connect with them and make their lives better.
Here’s how you can use technology to keep in touch with them:
- Video Calling
If you can’t physically visit your senior family members in the facility, you can use video calls to talk to them and check on them virtually. Many social media channels offer video calling services for free. Just make sure they know how to operate the device to get the most out of the video calls.
However, if you’re video calling a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or other neurodegenerative conditions, be sure to make some considerations when staying in touch with them virtually. That way, both of you can get the most out of the conversation.
- Playing Online Games
This is one of the most creative and fun methods of interacting with your senior loved ones. Several online games allow two people to play with one another.
So, if your family members love online games, you can set up certain game nights where you can play and spend quality time together.
- Using Social Platforms To Manage Their Needs
There are also different social platforms that you can use to stay in touch with your senior loved ones. They’re used as a communication channel and serve as a private space where family members can work together to manage their care.
For example, digital platforms allow members to exchange messages and photos, post caregiving updates, and perform other similar tasks. Thus, if you’re looking for more information, visit https://waywiser.life and other websites.
- Send Care Packages
Keeping in touch with your senior loved ones doesn’t always have to be in the form of communication. You can also make them feel loved and cared for by sending them care packages filled with gift ideas and other personal stuff, such as letters, postcards, family photos, and other memorable items.
Whether it’s a special occasion or an ordinary day, consider giving your senior family members living in the community care packages that they’ll enjoy and cherish for the rest of their lives.
Even if you don’t speak to them directly, the care packages will remind them of the love, care, and attention you have for them. They won’t feel isolated and depressed because they know you’re always there to support and take care of them.
- Do Some Creative Activities During Your Regular Physical Visits
Spending time visiting your senior loved ones in the community can be the most common way of connecting with them. This is especially true if you have time, and the facility is just a few blocks away from your place.
So, schedule your regular visits to the nursing home and make the most of them by doing creative activities together. These can include:
- Engaging In Art And Music Activities
Doing these can help you interact with your senior family members. Whether you write, paint, play an instrument, or listen to music, all these activities can allow you to bond with them and make them feel valued.
For example, you can talk about your memories together while listening to their favorite song playlist or working side by side on a particular painting.
- Enjoying Nature
You can also connect with your elderly loved ones through the help of nature. For instance, you can take them for a walk outside or a picnic in a nearby park where you can spend quality time together talking or laughing.
- Story-Telling
Letting your senior loved ones share their stories can be an excellent way of making a social connection with them. By simply being present and being an active listener, you can make them feel appreciated, which is good for their overall well-being.
Bottom Line
There’s nothing more difficult and painful than being away from your senior loved ones. Because of this, it’s essential to do everything to stay in touch with them no matter what the circumstances are.
By keeping these ways in mind, you can successfully build a strong social connection with your elderly loved ones, making them feel much better for the rest of their lives.
