If your loved one is transitioning to a top local assisted living community in Asheville, NC, you might be wondering how to maintain a strong and meaningful bond. You want to stay connected in a way that supports their well-being while also remaining respectful of their new routine, so what’s the best way to achieve that goal? Some common challenges faced by families include:
- Feeling guilty about not being able to visit as often as you’d like.
- Struggling to maintain meaningful conversations, especially if your loved one has memory loss.
- Not knowing the best times or methods to reach your loved one.
- Worrying about their loneliness or feelings of disconnection.
Communication is key–but it’s not as simple as picking up the phone. There are countless ways to stay in touch that best meets both your and your loved one’s needs. Next, our assisted living professionals are sharing some of these key communication methods, how to stay flexible, and how to collaborate seamlessly with the assisted living community your family has chosen.
Finding the Right Communication Method
Not all individuals prefer the same methods of communication, and your loved one’s needs may evolve over time. Their comfort level with technology, personal preferences, and cognitive or physical abilities should be taken into account when choosing the best way to stay updated.
Phone Calls
A simple and direct way to connect, especially for seniors who are comfortable with using a phone. Keep conversations positive and engaging while allowing your loved one to share about their day. If hearing loss is a concern, consider using phones with amplified sound or captioning features to enhance communication.
Video Chats
Apps like Zoom, FaceTime, or Skype offer a more personal touch, and seeing familiar faces regularly can provide comfort as well as help maintain a sense of connection. Scheduling regular video calls will create a routine your loved one can look forward to, and group video chats with multiple family members can always make them feel included in family activities.
Letters and Cards
Sending handwritten notes or greeting cards is a great way to bring joy, especially for seniors who appreciate tangible reminders of family love. Personalizing letters with pictures, drawings, or even small mementos can make them even more special.
Emails and Texts
For those comfortable with technology, short text messages or emails can be a convenient way to stay in touch throughout the week. Sharing photos, updates about family events, or even short video clips can help bridge the distance and make them feel involved in your daily life.
Visits
In-person visits remain the most impactful way to strengthen bonds. However, it’s important to balance visits so they are meaningful but not overwhelming. If your loved one enjoys exploration, consider planning short trips to familiar places in Asheville, such as a park or café, to maintain the strong connection you’ve always had.
Above all, it’s important to never feel guilty if visits don’t happen as much as either of you would like. With many ways to keep in touch, it’s about finding what works best for you in a way that both of you feel happy and comfortable with.
Adapting Communication to Their Needs
As briefly touched one, everyone has unique cognitive and physical abilities that may influence how they prefer to communicate. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to developing meaningful conversation.
For those experiencing cognitive decline, keep conversations simple and focused on familiar topics. Speak slowly, give them time to respond, and use visual cues when possible. For those with hearing loss, speak clearly, face them while talking, and reduce background noise. Using video chats with captions or assisted listening devices may also help. And, if your loved one has limited mobility, using a phone or typing can be cumbersome. Consider voice-activated devices like smart speakers to facilitate communication in a way that helps them feel most comfortable.
How Often Should You Communicate?
If feeling overwhelmed about how often you should reach out, you can take comfort in knowing the frequency of communication should depend on both of your routines. An Asheville assisted living community can help with all of your scheduling and setup needs. Here are some general guidelines:
Daily or Every Other Day: A quick check-in via call or text can provide reassurance without being intrusive.
Weekly Video Chats: Setting up a routine video chat helps maintain face-to-face interaction.
Regular Visits: If possible, plan visits at least once a month or more frequently, depending on their comfort level and schedule.
Surprise Messages: Unexpected letters, postcards, or small gifts can greatly brighten their day without requiring a scheduled interaction.
Asheville, NC, Assisted Living Professionals Can Help
An award-winning assisted living community like Arbor Terrace Asheville offers structured opportunities for family involvement, making it easier to stay connected and feel close to your loved one, no matter how far away you may be living. Some ways to participate include:
Attending Community Events: Holiday celebrations, family nights, and social gatherings, whether in person or virtual, provide a great way to engage.
Joining Family Support Groups: Our warm and welcoming community offers an abundance of resources and support groups where families can share experiences and receive guidance.
Volunteering: Some communities welcome family members to lead activities or help with planning special events for loved ones.
Coordinating With Staff: Staying in touch with caregivers and administrators will help keep you informed about your loved one’s well-being and any changes in their needs.
Staying connected with a loved one in your Asheville, NC, assisted living community is essential for not only their emotional well-being, but also their physical and mental health. By choosing the right communication methods, adapting to evolving needs, and keeping engaged with the community they call home, you can keep your relationship strong and meaningful throughout their lifetime.
Arbor Terrace Asheville Can Help
For more information on making the transition to assisted living as smooth and stress-free as possible for the entire family, download The Journey to Senior Living: A Step-By-Step Guide for Families.
