In assisted living communities, seniors enjoy access to 24/7 care along with plenty of opportunities to socialize and enrich their lives. If you’re considering moving your parent to such a community, you may worry that the transition will threaten your bond, especially if you live far away. Luckily, you can help maintain your relationship no matter the distance by following these three tips.

How to Stay Connected With Your Elderly Loved One

1. Teach Them About Technology

When you can’t make regular visits to your parent’s new home, technology such as smartphones, tablets, and computers allow for simple, frequent communication. If your parent isn’t accustomed to these devices, now is the time to teach them the basics.

While the process may require a bit of patience on your part, you and your family will ultimately have a much easier time staying connected with them through phone calls, emails, text messages, and video chats.

2. Send Letters & Photos 

Although technology is excellent at keeping people connected, many seniors appreciate the familiarity of receiving letters in the mail.

If your parent enjoys old-fashioned forms of communication, try sending some snail mail once in a while. Typing your letters on the computer to print out will allow you to insert photos of your family, which is a great option if your parent doesn’t use social media. For the best results, use a larger font for easy reading.

3. Talk About Their Interests

No matter what form of communication you use to connect with your parent, you may be tempted to ask about their health and finances. While these topics are important, they shouldn’t dominate all of your conversations if you want to nurture your relationship.

Instead, take time to ask about past memories, current friendships, and other interesting subjects that will help you learn more about your parent and strengthen your bond.

Abbington Assisted Living is proud to provide senior care throughout Columbus, Pickerington, Powell, Chillicothe, and Coshocton, OH. Abbington senior living communities are one-story buildings that are designed with comfort and security in mind, offering comprehensive nursing care services in a compassionate, comfortable, and cost-effective manner. Please visit our website or call us directly at (614) 451-4575 in Columbus, (614) 577-0822 in Pickerington, (614) 789-9868 in Powell, (740) 773-4630 in Chillicothe, or (740) 623-4600 in Coshocton.