Staying close to elderly relatives who live in care homes is vital for maintaining family bonds and supporting their emotional well-being. Regular communication helps them feel connected, loved, and included in family life. Fortunately, there are many creative and accessible ways to stay in touch that make the experience enjoyable for everyone involved, from young children to adults. Here are some family-friendly methods to keep those connections strong.
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Schedule Regular Video Calls
Video calls provide a sense of presence that voice calls and letters can’t quite match. Platforms like Zoom, FaceTime, and Skype are easy to use and allow for face-to-face interaction, which can be particularly meaningful for elderly relatives who miss seeing their loved ones. Schedule calls at times when everyone can participate, especially children. Watching young family members grow up, hearing about their latest achievements, and sharing stories can bring immense joy.
Tips for a Great Video Call:
- Prepare a list of topics or updates to discuss to keep the conversation flowing.
- Encourage children to perform a song, show their artwork, or share a school project.
- Use visual aids like photo albums or digital slideshows to help relatives feel more connected.
Send Personalized Care Packages
While living in a facility such as Signature care home Kingston can provide a lot of enrichment, a thoughtful care package can brighten a loved one’s day and give them a tangible reminder of family. Include small items that hold special meaning, such as family photos, handwritten notes, or drawings from younger relatives. Adding favorite treats, books, or puzzles can also make the package more enjoyable.
Ideas for Personalized Care Packages:
- Create a themed package based on hobbies (e.g., knitting supplies, crossword puzzles, or garden-themed items).
- Include a small item that represents a shared memory, like a postcard from a family vacation.
- Add seasonal touches—winter scarves, spring flowers, or holiday decorations to bring a little bit of home to their room.
Write Letters and Cards
Letters and cards offer a personal and lasting way to stay connected. Even in the age of digital communication, a handwritten letter can carry a powerful emotional impact. Involve the whole family by having each member contribute to the letter with a few words or drawings. Cards can be created for specific holidays, milestones, or simply as surprise “thinking of you” messages. Elderly relatives can keep and re-read letters whenever they feel like revisiting happy memories.
Letter-Writing Tips:
- Encourage children to write about their latest adventures or school activities.
- Share family updates, such as upcoming birthdays, pets, or plans for future visits.
- Include recent photos and note who’s who, especially if there are new additions to the family.
Create a Family Memory Book
A family memory book is an ongoing project that everyone can contribute to. It can contain photos, stories, and memories of family events or simply day-to-day moments. Family members can take turns writing in the book, including notes about school, work, hobbies, or upcoming events. It can be updated regularly and brought to each visit or mailed to share the latest chapters.
Creating Your Memory Book:
- Use a large notebook or scrapbook to make it easy to add new pages.
- Encourage family members to add their own entries or illustrations.
- Include special dates or plans for future gatherings, so there’s always an occasion to look forward to.
Organize Group Activities with Technology
If an in-person visit isn’t possible, consider engaging in shared activities online. Many care homes provide access to tablets or laptops, so you could set up a virtual family game night or a cooking session where everyone prepares the same dish together over a video call. These shared experiences can foster a sense of togetherness and bring joy to everyone involved.
Fun Virtual Activities to Try:
- Set up a bingo or trivia game with family-friendly questions.
- Host a book club where everyone reads a short story or watches a movie to discuss together.
- Arrange for a virtual “family dinner” where everyone enjoys their meal while chatting online.
Use Social Media (Safely)
If your elderly relative is comfortable using social media, platforms like Facebook can be a great way for them to stay updated with family news. Private family groups are a secure way to share updates, photos, and videos without exposing information to a wider audience. Set up notifications for your elderly relative so they don’t miss any new updates, and provide support in navigating these platforms as needed.
Getting Started with Social Media:
- Set up a private family group for sharing moments securely.
- Post regular updates and include captions for context.
- Assist with the technical setup to ensure they can access and enjoy content safely.
Final Thoughts
Connecting with elderly relatives in care homes doesn’t have to be challenging. With a little creativity and the right tools, families can maintain close bonds and create meaningful memories, even from afar. Whether through video calls, personalized packages, or shared activities, these family-friendly approaches can bring warmth and joy to everyone involved, ensuring your loved one always feels cherished and included.
For more on this topic, check out the full Senior Care collection
