How to Stay Close While Your Parent Is in Care

The move to a senior care community is a busy time, full of decisions and emotions. Once your parent settles into their new community, you may notice that the relationship changes, especially if you previously did lots of activities with them. Staying close to your parent might seem more challenging now that they have their own life and a new routine in the senior community. These tips help you maintain your relationship with your parent as it changes.

Choose a Senior Community Close to Home

Physical proximity can help you stay close to your parent, so choosing a senior care community close to home helps with that. You'll be able to visit more often and participate in community happenings when that community is just down the street or across town instead of in another state.

This might not be an option if your parent currently lives far away. Transitioning into an assisted living community is already a major change that may take time to accept. Going through that in a new city or state could make the move even more overwhelming. Talk to your parent about their preferred location to make sure everyone is satisfied with the decision.

Make a Plan for In-Person Visits

Whether your parent's new home is in the same city or across the country, make a plan for how often you'll visit them in person. If they're local, you might set aside every Sunday as visit day. For longer-distance locations, the visits might only happen every few months or even once per year. Then, stick to that schedule to make sure you have plenty of in-person time.

Plan Activities for Visits

You'll want to catch up on conversation when you visit, but it can also be helpful to plan activities you enjoy together. This can be as simple as bringing along a game, puzzle or craft you do together. Residents of Bethesda Gardens Monument might be eager to invite you to do some senior activities around Monument to show you their routine. Whatever they are, those activities help you create memories together and make the time together meaningful.

Attend Community Events When Possible

Many senior care communities plan family events throughout the year to encourage involvement. You might also be able to join your parent for resident activities, like holiday parties. If you live close enough, show up for those activities when possible. You get to experience an activity together, which gives you more things to chat about later. You're also getting a glimpse of your parent's new life, and that can help you feel closer to them.

Schedule Regular Video Calls

In-person visits aren't always as frequent as you'd like, especially if your parent lives far away or your schedule is busy. Video calls offer a way for you to see your loved one while you catch up. Scheduling video calls makes it more of a routine so you can get regular updates.

If your parent isn't comfortable with technology, help them set up their device to take video calls during move-in. Doing a practice call can help them work through the process and gain confidence.

You can also plan activities during video calls. For example, you might watch your favorite game show together while video chatting or read a book together while you're on FaceTime.

Communicate With Care Providers

Being an active participant in your parent's care helps you remain involved in their life. Explore the communication options your parent's care community offers. Meeting and getting to know the caregivers within the community when you're on-site can also help build relationships. Communicating with care providers regularly allows you to hear how your parent is doing and address any issues that arise.

Follow the Community on Social Media

Many senior living communities, including Bethesda Gardens Monument, maintain Facebook pages and other social media profiles. Following the page for your parent's community often allows you to see photos of recent events and hear about routine activities, like pet therapy. That can make you feel closer by seeing what your parent is experiencing, and it also gives you potential topics to discuss the next time you call.

Send Care Packages

Sending care packages to your parent can make them feel special and show them you're thinking about them. It can also be a conversation starter. The next time you talk, you can ask how they liked what you sent in the care package.

The contents of the care packages depends on your parent's preferences and your budget. You might send activities they'd enjoy, like audiobooks for older adults or a craft project with the required supplies. Including photos of activities you've done recently gives your parent a chance to feel connected to your life.

Another option is to simply write letters or send cards regularly. You might give your parent a package of cards or stationery to encourage them to write back to you. Including stamped pre-addressed envelopes can make this easier.

Personalize the Space

Staying close to your parent requires both parties to make an effort. To help your parent feel closer to you, spend time with them decorating their new space with personal items and memories.

Photos can be particularly helpful for helping your parent feel connected to family. Digital photo frames often work well. Not only do the frames flip through multiple photos, but newer smart frames let you add new photos remotely through an app. That way, you can keep your parent connected to new activities. You can also keep a smart frame in your home and show your parent how to add their own photos remotely so you can stay in touch with their life.

Celebrate Special Occasions Together

When possible, plan to spend holidays, birthdays and other milestones with your parent. That might mean celebrating at their senior community or bringing them to your home during celebrations. This allows you to continue family traditions and create more memories with your parent.