What is the best way for seniors in assisted living to communicate with their family members? Whether the senior care center currently restricts visitors or you live too far away to visit regularly, take a look at what you need to know about elderly care and family communication.
Why Is Communication Important?
Social isolation can have a serious impact on the senior's psychological state and other aspects of their life and health. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this type of isolation can increase the aging adult's risk of dementia by up to 50 percent, heart disease by 29 percent, and stroke by 32 percent.
Even though socialization is key to the aging adult's psychological and physical well-being, visitor restrictions (for disease mitigation purposes) are sometimes necessary. While you can't see your loved one in person, you can still help them to get the benefits of socialization. Through alternative communication methods, you can help the senior to socialize with their family daily.
How Can You Help the Senior to Communicate?
A person-to-person visit is the ideal opportunity to communicate and socialize with the senior in your life. But if you can't (or aren't allowed to) see your loved one in real life, you still have communication options.
A phone call is one of the easiest ways to communicate with your parent, grandparent, or family member. This option doesn't require technical knowledge, making it a simple step towards socialization for the senior.
If your loved one is able to or wants to use technology, a video chat is the next best thing to an in-person visit. A chat app on a smartphone, tablet, or computer allows you to connect with the senior. Not only can the senior hear you (like they would on the phone), they can also see you.
Don't worry if the senior doesn't know how to use a video chat app. The elderly care center or assisted living facility staff can help them to download the app and use the technology. This may include using a computer, turning on a video function, or connecting speakers. After the elderly care center's staff helps your loved one to set up the chat, your entire family can join in.
Along with phone calls and video chats, you can also email or text your loved one in a pinch. While these are less personal ways to communicate, they provide a way to share photos and sweet sentiments between family members.
For more information, reach out to a local assisted living facility.
Share13 July 2020
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