For most people, getting older is not easy. The body deteriorates over time, and things that seem mundane can now be challenging to do. While aging seems undesirable, it is inevitable, so we can only make the experience more enjoyable by taking steps to ease the difficulties. If your loved ones reside in an independent living community, here are some ways you can show care for parents or grandparents. As they have taken care of us when we were young, it is only right we now take turns in providing for them.
Visit Your Grandparents Frequently
We understand that you may have responsibilities to attend to, and are busy with work and life in general. However, it’s important to plan family visits at least once a month to catch up with your parents or grandparents and be updated with their well-being. Ideally, try visiting once a week. There’s nothing that can make your loved one smile more than seeing them in person, especially if they live alone or have lost a spouse. Family visits can do a lot to curb loneliness, and prevent your loved ones from feeling abandoned and socially isolated, which are detrimental to their mental and physical health in the long run.
Invite Grandparents on Trips
Here at The Welstone At Mission Crossing, residents can head to town every time and anytime they want, at no additional costs! Under our complimentary Connections transportation service, your loved ones can schedule a ride at our concierge desk, which operates 24/7. If you have a dinner reservation or are hosting an event, invite and bring along your loved ones. These events provide a great opportunity for family bonding and allow your parents or grandparents to feel a sense of normalcy every once in a while. They can also have something to look forward to, which boosts their mood.
Teach Technology to Your Loved Ones
As technology constantly evolves and the world is ever-changing, your parents or grandparents may have difficulty keeping up with the latest technological platforms. Show them that you empathize and are aware of their challenges by taking some time out of your day to teach them the appropriate skills. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted many people to turn to video chat apps such as Zoom and Skype to communicate. Assist your loved ones by installing these apps on their phones, tablets, or computers. You can even teach them to pay bills online or correspond through email, which are huge conveniences and can make their lives easier.
Craft a Photo Book
A sentimental way to show affection for your grandparents is to create a photo album. We recommend crafting one from scratch and injecting your very own personality. Photo albums are not only a great way for loved ones to look back at happy memories but also serve as memorabilia to trigger positive emotions such as love and joy. You’ll soon find that your loved ones will treasure this photo album for life, especially if they live in an independent living community and away from family members.
