Getting older may mean that your loved ones may need more assistance than you can provide on your own. According to the National Center for Assisted Living, approximately 70 % of Americans who are 65 or older will need some level of long-term care eventually. You may be considering assisted living or a skilled nursing home, but wonder how you can still help your loved one receive the love and attention they need. Here are some ideas to make your older family member still feel loved during such a transition.
1. Get To Know the Caretakers
The assisted living staff are the people who will be spending the most time with your loved one, so it’s important to get to know them. Ask about their backgrounds and interests, and let them know a little bit about your loved one. This way they can connect on a personal level, and you can rest assured that your family member is in good hands.
2. Bring Their Favorite Things
With assisted living, your loved one will have their own space, but it may not feel like home yet. Pictures of family and friends, a special blanket or pillow, or even just their favorite books can help make the transition to assisted living a little easier.
3. Schedule Regular Visits
Whether it’s once a week or once a month, set aside time to spend time with your loved one. You can play games, go for walks, or just sit and chat. Letting them know you’re thinking of them will surely mean the world to them.
4. Send Cards and Letters
If you can’t visit your loved one as often as you’d like, stay in touch by sending cards and letters. They’ll surely appreciate getting something in the mail, and it’s a great way to stay connected. You can even include pictures of the family or any news you think they might find interesting.
5. Make Sure Their Voice is Heard
It’s important that your loved one feels like they still have a say in their life, even if they’re in assisted living or a nursing home. Ask about their day-to-day routine and what they like and don’t like. If there’s something they’re not happy with, see if there’s anything that can be done to change it.
Helping our loved ones as they age can be a challenge, but it’s important to remember that they still need our love and support. By keeping these things in mind, you can make sure the assisted living facility or nursing home you choose for your loved one feels like home. To ensure that your family member receives the care that they deserve, consider transitioning them to the assisted living facilities at Via Elegante.
