It can be a difficult decision to make when it comes to how often you should visit your parents in assisted living. On one hand, you want to give them their space and allow them to adjust to their new surroundings. On the other hand, you want to make sure they feel loved and supported during this transition.
There is no set rule for how often you should visit your parents in assisted living. Every family dynamic and situation is different, so it’s important to take into consideration your parents’ needs and preferences as well as your own schedule and availability.
Understanding Your Parents’ Needs
The first step in deciding how often to visit your parents in assisted living is understanding their specific needs. Some individuals may require more frequent visits due to health or mobility issues, while others may be content with less frequent visits.
It’s also important to consider your parents’ emotional needs. Moving into assisted living can be a big adjustment, and they may need extra support and reassurance during this time. Regular visits from loved ones can help ease any feelings of loneliness or homesickness.
Your Own Schedule & Availability
While it’s important to prioritize your parents’ needs, it’s also important to take into account your own schedule and availability. If you live far away or have a busy work and family life, it may not be feasible to visit every week or even every month.
Instead of focusing on the frequency of visits, try to make the most out of the time you do spend with your parents. Quality time is more important than quantity, so make sure to plan meaningful activities or simply spend quality time together talking and catching up.
Keeping in Touch in Other Ways
Visiting your parents in assisted living is not the only way to show your love and support. In today’s digital age, there are many ways to stay connected and communicate with your loved ones from a distance. These can include phone calls, video chats, sending care packages or letters, and even playing online games together.
These forms of communication can be just as meaningful and important as physical visits and can help bridge the distance between you and your parents if regular in-person visits are not feasible.
Communicating with Caregivers
It’s important to communicate with the caregivers in the assisted living community. They can provide you with updates on your parents’ well-being and any changes in their care plan.
It’s also important to establish a good relationship with the caregivers, as they play a vital role in your parents’ daily lives. Expressing gratitude and appreciation for their hard work can go a long way in fostering a positive and collaborative relationship.
Make sure to communicate any concerns or questions you may have regarding your parents’ care. The caregivers are there to support both your parents and their families, so don’t hesitate to reach out to them for assistance.
Taking Care of Yourself
Caring for aging parents can be emotionally and physically exhausting. It’s important to prioritize self-care to avoid burnout. This can include setting aside time for yourself to relax, seeking support from family and friends, or even joining a support group for caregivers.
Remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish—it’s necessary to be able to continue providing the best care for your parents.
Quality Over Quantity
While physical visits with your parents may be limited, it’s important to focus on the quality of your interactions rather than the quantity. Make the most out of your visits by planning meaningful activities or conversations that will bring joy to both you and your parents.
Additionally, make sure to actively listen and engage in conversation with them. This can help strengthen your relationship and create lasting memories.
Discover Senior Living at Delmar Place
Visiting your parents in assisted living is an important way to stay connected and show your love and support for them. However, there are also many other ways to maintain a strong relationship with your parents, even if they live in a different location. By staying in touch regularly, communicating with caregivers, and taking care of yourself, you can ensure that your parents continue to feel loved and supported no matter where they are living.
Assisted living at Delmar Place is designed to provide a comfortable and safe environment for your loved ones. With compassionate caregivers, engaging activities, and personalized care plans, we strive to enhance the quality of life for every resident. Contact us today to learn more about our assisted living community and how we can support you and your family.
