Brandon elder law attorneys understand how difficult it is to stay in touch with a loved one after they’ve been placed in a nursing home. You may have a demanding job, your own family to look after, and other responsibilities that get in the way. Visiting the nursing home may not be as simple as you think.
The good news is that there are ways that you can leverage your time so that you are staying in touch in a meaningful, yet efficient way. The following tips can help you accomplish these goals.
Use Tech Tools Whenever Possible
Older adults are vulnerable to viruses, including COVID-19. Even if the nursing home allows visitors, you might not want to take the chance of passing the coronavirus or another medical issue on to your loved one. You can stay in touch and have the face-to-face visits you want while behaving responsibly.
Common forms of higher-tech communication include:
- Email – Some nursing home patients don’t like or know how to text. So, you might have to stay in contact by using email. Send emails regularly informing them of what’s happening in your life and ask them about how they’re doing. Even if they don’t use a computer, the nursing home staff may be able to print out the email for you so that it feels more like a letter.
- Video calls – Many electronic devices allow video calls through Zoom, Skype, and FaceTime. Schedule weekly or monthly sessions with your loved one. You can also include other family members and enjoy group calls so everyone can catch up simultaneously.
- Text – If your family member has a cell phone and knows how to text, stay connected through text messages. If possible, you can check in with them every day by asking them about residents they formed a friendship with and activities they have participated in since moving to the nursing home.
Plan Scheduled Activities
It’s important to plan activities or events that feel “normal” for your loved one to partake in. That might include:
- Celebrations – Celebrate a birthday by planning a party you can invite your loved one and other family members to.
- Field trips – Take your relative on a field trip to their favorite museum, a restaurant, or the beach. Plan fun excursions that take them away from their usual routine and allow you to spend quality time together.
- Nursing home premises – You don’t necessarily have to go anywhere to have a good time with your family. Visit them at the nursing home and join them in their weekly card game or social event planned by the facility.
Additional Items to Consider
If you’re worried about moving a loved one into a nursing home out of fear they may be too isolated or will not have access to the care they need, please contact us. We can assist you with preparations and help you ensure that your loved one remains healthy and safe. To schedule an appointment at our Brandon office, contact (813) 438-8503.