Deciding to move a senior loved one into memory care living is not an easy decision. Change can be difficult for everyone, and seniors need support from loved ones to ensure they can make the transition with as little stress as possible. Learning how to support their senior loved ones is important.
Tips for Supporting Elderly Relatives in Memory Care
Once a family makes the decision to move their elderly loved one into memory care living, the support should not end there. While the change can be exciting for seniors, it can also be stressful. The following offers guidance to help family members support their elderly loved ones more effectively.
Frequent Calls and Check-Ins
Staying in contact with an elderly loved one is essential. No matter how long a senior has been living in a senior living community, they are still going to need their families to be there. Phone calls, visits, and video calls are all critical for helping seniors cope with their new living arrangements.
Although life gets busy, individuals should never get so busy that they forget about their family members. It only takes a few minutes to make a significant difference in the life of a senior. Frequent calls and other forms of communication help seniors cope with changing times.
Encourage the Senior to Remain Active
One of the most important things seniors can do for their physical and mental health is to remain active. Frequent exercise and activity help keep the mind and body strong. One of the most exciting benefits of living in memory care in Roseville, CA, is the activities presented to senior residents. There is always something to see, do, and experience, keeping life exciting and fun for residents.
Although these opportunities are available to senior residents, it sometimes takes a bit of encouragement from family members for seniors to get involved. Family members should inquire with the director and staff members to determine if there are family activities available. When their loved ones are involved, seniors are more likely to want to participate in the fun.
Keep Seniors Involved in Family Activities
One of the most significant issues seniors face when they move into memory care is feeling left out of family events. Trying to visit during these special occasions allows family members to bring the fun and celebration to their loved ones. Remember to stay in contact on the following special occasions.
- Birthdays
- Anniversaries
- Family reunions
- Holidays
- Religious celebrations
- Graduations
By visiting on these special occasions, loved ones can stay abreast of the family dynamics and remain a part of the celebrations. Visiting keeps senior residents from feeling ostracized and alone while living in a memory care community.
Remember That Family is the Foundation
It is essential family members remember that they are the foundation of happiness for their senior loved one. There are many ways to show support for a senior. Staying in close contact and reminding the seniors they are loved are important first steps.
One of the most important things families can do, aside from the above, is to reach out to the staff members and get to know them as much as possible. Families that are involved are going to be able to ensure the health and well-being of their senior loved ones.
No senior should ever be placed in a memory care community and never see family members and friends. It is the outside contacts that keep seniors going and make them feel like they are still a part of the circle.
Give Seniors Time to Grow Accustomed to Their New Surroundings
It can be exciting and also overwhelming for a senior to move into a new community. There are so many changes that seniors can sometimes feel a bit depressed. During the transition process, seniors are going to need their loved ones more than ever. This is not the time to abandon them.
Let the senior know you are excited about the new community. Get involved as much as possible, and continue to call, show up for visits, write letters, and send cards.
Giving the senior time to acclimate to their new surroundings is helpful. The time it takes for acclimation will depend on the senior and the level of support they receive from friends and loved ones.
Here at Summerfield of Roseville, we are committed to providing a beautiful and engaging atmosphere for our beloved residents. Our motto is to live intentionally, and it shows in every aspect of the care provided to senior residents. We believe seniors should live in safety and dignity, allowing them to live as independently as possible.