Making the decision to move an aging parent or grandparent to a senior living community can be difficult. After all, we tend to see our loved ones as strong, spirited people. They’re the ones who took care of us as children and stood by our sides when we needed a shoulder to cry on or a rock to lean on. When they begin to show signs of losing their physical or mental capabilities, it’s hard to fathom that they’re now the ones who need someone to be strong for them.
Overcoming the Distance
Despite the emotional struggle that comes with placing a loved one in assisted living, it’s possible to overcome the challenges involved and make the distance seem a bit less significant. Keep in mind, the transition is as difficult for your loved one as it is for you if not more so. As such, it’s important to show ample support for family members in senior living communities. Though many people aren’t quite sure how to do so, the following measures can be helpful.
Find the Right Community for Your Loved One
One of the first and most significant ways to show support for an aging loved one who can no longer live at home is to find the right community for seniors for them to reside in. Not all communities are the same, and not all are good fits for all seniors. Be aware of your loved one’s unique physical, mental, and emotional needs. Talk with that person about his or her expectations for an assisted living community.
From there, research senior care communities to find out what each one has to offer. Finding a community that’s close to you and other family members may be a good idea, but proximity isn’t the only factor to consider. Look into the measures caregivers take to keep residents safe as well.
If your loved one suffers from mobility issues, find out which services caregivers offer to help with them. If your loved one is showing signs of dementia, find a community that offers specialized memory care services. Look for a community with amenities that are tailored to the needs of your loved one. Choosing the right community can make things much simpler and less stressful.
Stay in Touch
Finding the right senior care community is only the beginning. From there, you’ll need to take additional steps to show support for an aging loved one. Staying in touch is crucial. It’ll help prevent loneliness and isolation as well as all the negative effects that come with them.
Studies show that isolation can create an increased risk of anxiety and depression. It can also lead to physical decline. Those who feel alone and unhappy are less likely to remain physically active. That, in turn, can lead to a long list of health problems that will negatively impact your loved one. For seniors who already suffer from various medical issues, isolation and inactivity can exacerbate their impacts.
With that in mind, be sure to call your loved one as often as possible. Remember birthdays and other holidays. A simple phone call can go a long way toward making seniors feel loved and appreciated on special occasions. Of course, there’s no substitute for in-person visits, so try to visit as frequently as you can. If possible, bring your loved one home for celebrations and gatherings.
Be Proactive
Another way to support a loved one in an assisted living community in League Palmdale, CA is to be proactive in his or her care. Professional physicians and caregivers in the community know how to provide the treatments and attention their residents need, but you may be able to offer unique insight. Think about the activities your loved one enjoys, and encourage him or her to take advantage of relevant programs offered by the community.
Alternatively, you could speak with caregivers about your loved one’s special interests so they can intervene accordingly. Caregivers may be able to convince your loved one to take part in social events, activities, and outings. Being involved in events and activities can help prevent isolation, loneliness, mental decline, and many other potential problems.
Staying Close to Aging Loved Ones
Palm Vista is a senior living community in Palmdale, California. We offer an array of amenities for seniors, and we strive to cater to our residents’ varying needs. We’re dedicated to finding the right balance of assistance and independence based on each resident’s unique requirements. Our team of caregivers works with residents’ families to provide the highest level of care and make the transition to assisted living as seamless as possible.
