There’s nothing like spending the holiday season with those you love. This is even more special if you live far away from your relatives, as it might be one of the only times of the year you get to visit them.
After the holidays are over and you go back to your regular routine, work schedule, and everyday life, it can be challenging to make the time to stay in touch with your loved ones. However, for older adults, the post-holiday time can be a reminder of feelings of isolation and loneliness; as things begin to slow down, the decorations are packed away, and family members return to their lives.
Brickmont Assisted Living is proud to support individuals and families in the Atlanta area through our assisted living services. We understand the importance of social connection with family, so we’re sharing simple ways to stay connected with loved ones after the holidays.
Schedule Regular Phone Calls
Phone conversations are a simple, intuitive, and wonderful way to hear someone’s voice when you can’t speak face-to-face. In addition, it can be more meaningful for your loved one to pick up the phone and talk rather than texting or email.
Consider making a schedule with your loved one for daily, weekly, or bi-weekly phone calls. Make a note of any important events, plans, or new developments in their life so you can ask questions and stay involved.
Stay Connected on Social Media
Social media is an easy way to share family photos, videos of special occasions, and find interesting articles that relate to your unique interests. People of all ages use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and more to stay connected to family and friends.
A recent poll found that over 50 percent of adults between the ages of 55 and 65 use Facebook, and that number keeps growing. While different social media platforms have different benefits, Facebook continues to be an easy way to stay connected with family and friends.
Beyond staying connected to your loved ones, Facebook is also an excellent opportunity for your older relative to reconnect with friends from the past who they might have lost touch with; for example, friends from high school or college or former co-workers.
Make Time for Video Chats
While talking on the phone is wonderful, sometimes you just want to see the person. Fortunately, various video chatting apps, such as Skype, Zoom, and FaceTime (for Apple users), provide all of the benefits and comfort of a phone call with an added plus – being able to speak face-to-face!
Plan Future In-Person Trips & Visits
When you live at a distance from your older loved ones, the ways to stay connected virtually are convenient and easy to use. But in truth, nothing compares to seeing them in person, sharing a hug, and spending time together. While we can all get busy with life and responsibilities, don’t wait until the next holiday season to visit family and loved ones.
Whether you’re able to travel weekly, monthly, or even a few times a year, try creating a schedule with your relatives for recurring visits. Come up with a list of places you want to go, whether it’s a brand-new location or simply a restaurant that you both want to try out!
We emphasize family during the holiday season, but that emphasis should extend throughout the year. As family members get older, their health and care needs can change. These changes can go unnoticed if they live alone or at a distance from other family members until an emergency occurs. Make a point to stay connected to older loved ones through regular check-ins and visits - not only to check on their well-being but to maintain your relationship and enjoy your time with them.
As an assisted living provider in Atlanta, Brickmont Assisted Living knows how important family is. We hope these suggestions will allow you and your loved one to maintain your relationship, regardless of distance, and help your relative to stay safe, happy, and healthy. For more resources, information, and tips, we invite you to visit our Brickmont blog.
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