Nobody wants to think about the possibility of their loved ones needing help as they age, yet it’s an important reality that affects many families. Knowing what a caregiver can do to support their family member when they move into senior homes can make a huge difference not only in their quality of life but also in their relationship and overall well-being. Here are a few ways a primary caregiver can ensure their loved one is taken care of during their stay at a senior citizen’s home and how to provide them with emotional and mental support.
Visit regularly
One of the best things caregivers can do to support their senior loved ones in an assisted living community is to visit regularly. This can be challenging, especially when living far away. Still, this kind of consistent attention and love will help senior citizens feel at home and comfortable in their new environment.
It’s important to remember that elderly individuals need socialization like anybody else. It helps them lead engaging and stimulating lives and maintain overall good health. Scheduling regular visits on particular days each month is also beneficial for senior citizens. Caregivers can plan when they’re going to stop by, creating an anticipated bright spot in the resident’s schedule as well as theirs.
Routine Calls and Check-ins
Supporting loved ones in a senior living community is a crucial task. Despite the physical distance, there are ways to keep in touch with those we care about. Making frequent phone calls, sending encouraging emails or cards, and tuning into video chat sessions can make remarkable differences.
Check-ins provide an additional way of ensuring golden agers receive the best care possible. Even brief conversations can make all the difference in helping them ease the struggles of being away from home. Regular reminders that they are being thought of will help them enjoy their senior residence experience even more.
Send Cards and Letters
Writing heartfelt messages on special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays shows older adults that they are loved and are thought of and cherished. While respite care for seniors provides respite for family members caring for an older person, it also helps remind older adults living in a senior citizen residence that their family still cares for them through kind words and gestures. Personalized messages of love, admiration, or even just catching up with what’s happening in each other’s lives can make all the difference to those receiving them in faraway places.
Encourage an Active Lifestyle
Caretakers must ensure that older family members are as active and independent as possible. Within the assisted living community in Redding, CA, there are many recreational activities available for residents to engage in. Encouraging older adults to participate in these activities helps them feel like an integral part of their community and prevents them from feeling isolated or discouraged. Additionally, caregivers can bring along books, puzzles, or games when visiting to give seniors something fun and stimulating to do during their stay. Even simple conversations about current events or favorite TV shows can help promote engagement with their environment.
Offer Assistance
It is essential to recognize that only some have the same level of needed assistance, so it is best to ask what kind of help senior adults need, such as physical and emotional support. Offering to do shopping, housekeeping, and laundry are often appreciated tasks that many people in senior communities require as they may no longer be able to do these things easily on their own. Additionally, regular visits allowing them to keep connected with the outside world can help with morale.
Be Understanding
Supporting a loved one in senior homes starts with understanding. It can be challenging for those making the transition to let go of some independence, so it’s important to approach their situation with empathy and openness. Listen carefully when loved ones talk about their experience, and look for ways to help them feel more comfortable.
Caregivers should spend as much time with them and offer emotional support in any way possible. If applicable, ask questions that demonstrate your respect and understanding on matters such as daily life details, meal times, and house rules at the senior home; ask them how you can best provide support during this transition. Small tokens of appreciation coupled with regular visits will give the reassurance they need to make the change easier on them.
About Us
Our mission at Sundial Assisted Living community is to provide comfortable, safe, and secure homes for elderly persons who need assistance with daily activities. We offer comprehensive and personalized support and integrated care where every resident is treated with the utmost respect. Our team is guided by loyalty, faith, and fun. If you need help enrolling any of your loved ones in our residence, contact us at 530-241-2900.