Keep Connected with Assisted Living Residents - Staying In Touch With Loved Ones

Keep Connected with Assisted Living Residents

This week is National Keep Connected with assisted living Week and there’s no better way to stay connected to your loved ones than utilizing a go-between like Senior Living Experts. This year’s theme is bringing to light the many ways that technology can help you stay connected with loved ones in assisted living facilities.

Using Technology

Staying connected with those you love is very important and technology can be very helpful.

• Emails – Many facilities offer guided technology for residents; including an easy to use email system that allows residents to send “letters” to their loved ones. This is just one way to bridge any technology gap between generations; although today’s seniors are often comfortable using computers.
• Visual Phone Calls – Visual visits are a wonderful way to promote a feeling of being with loved ones even when the miles keep us apart. Using today’s technology, many of us have the ability to bring technology with us using Smartphones, tablets, and laptops to use programs such as Skype® or other alternative programs that allow you to talk and see each other.
• Cell Phones – There are a variety of adaptable cell phones, often those phones geared for children, may be an option for your senior loved one. No matter how you look at it, the days of seniors having access to their own phone they carry with them is a promising way to keep connected to them and safe.

Tips to Keep Connected with Assisted Living Facilities & Caregivers

Depending on the level of care your loved one needs, you may need to keep connected with the facilities or caregivers also. Here are some things to keep in mind.

• Visits – Nothing replaces regular visits to the facility or home of your loved one; however, we understand that this isn’t always an option. If you can’t visit your loved one regularly, perhaps you could ask other family members, friends, or even an advocate (talk to us about advocacy for your senior loved one in the Chicago area) to get a regular view of the living conditions and personal care your senior is getting.
• Phone Calls – Staying in touch with everyone involved in the care of your loved one is important. Make it a point to call your loved one, the facility, any friends or family that may visit and the contact point for the facility to get an idea of what life is like on a regular basis from many different points of view.
• Pictures – In today’s digital world we can sometimes forget that an actual picture can be a comforting thing, especially for seniors. Take the time to make print out photos of friends, family and events so they can easily see the faces of those they love and the memories. Ask the caregivers and facilitators to keep pictures up and in sight for your loved one to see daily.
• Mail – Everyone loves to get mail! Getting a card, a picture, a letter or any special surprise in the mail box is a wonderful way to keep in touch with your senior loved one. Don’t wait for an occasion to send a card; send them something simply to say “I’m thinking of you” or “I love you.”
• Email – Remember that you can email a facility or caregiving facility at any time, day or night for them to read during regular operating hours. If there are any concerns or questions about your loved one's care or their condition, do not hesitate to email them while you're thinking about it.
• Ask Home Care Providers - If you have a home care provider agency involved with your loved ones at an assisted living facility, ask them for suggestions. They often may have technologies available that can help you stay connected with your loved ones, such as these.

Senior Living Experts Can Help You Keep Connected with Assisted Living Residents

Senior Living Experts offers a variety of services that can help make the choice of where to live easier; but we can also help when it comes to making sure you keep in touch. Remember to keep connected with assisted living residents throughout the year, not just during holidays and special events. Keep Connected with Assisted Living Logo provided by NCAL with Approval