How Families Can Stay Involved After a Loved One Moves Into Care

The population of the U.S. is changing. The number of seniors — typically referring to adults 65 and older — is expected to double over the next four decades, with the number of adults 85 and older rising at a faster rate.

As people age, the risk of chronic health issues increases, so more older adults require care. For many, this means moving into a care facility where they can get expert assistance in a safe environment.

When an older loved one moves into care, family dynamics can change. For example, you may not be able to have your traditional holiday celebration at your mom’s house if she’s in a skilled nursing facility. However, there are ways to stay involved and maintain a close relationship with your loved one.

Contact Haven Health.

Why Family Involvement Still Matters

Maintaining family involvement is important because it strengthens your relationship and allows you to share and create memories.

Family members also benefit from maintaining stronger relationships and open communication with aging loved ones, as this ensures their peace of mind. If you’re communicating regularly with your senior loved one who’s in a facility, you can have confidence in the support they’re receiving. Being involved and communicating openly ensures you know your loved one is safe and receiving the expert care they need. Also, your loved one will appreciate knowing you’re still actively involved in their life.

Older adults also benefit from maintaining strong relationships with family because it helps prevent feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can lead to depression. Depression can cause loss of appetite and decreased interest in social engagement and preferred activities.

Depression can also lead to other serious health issues. For example, your loved one may develop health issues stemming from a lack of nutrients if they don’t eat well.

How To Stay Involved

There are many simple and effective ways to stay involved after your senior loved one moves into a facility where they can receive support with daily living.

Visit Regularly When Possible

Visiting your loved one is a great way to help ease the transition when they move into care. It also allows you to learn about their new home and daily routine. Additionally, it ensures your loved one doesn’t feel like they’ve been forgotten or abandoned after their move, which helps prevent feelings of isolation and depression.

If you can’t visit in person regularly, having regular video calls will help you stay involved and provide emotional support.

Stay In Communication With The Care Team

Communicating with your loved one’s care team is an effective way to ensure they receive appropriate, personalized care. Open communication also ensures you get answers to your questions and provides an opportunity to follow up on any concerns that arise during your visits or calls with your loved one.

Participate In Care Planning

Participating in care planning ensures you know what care your loved one is receiving and who’s providing therapeutic services. You can learn about ways to support rehabilitation efforts if needed and have the information you need to reassure your loved one about their care.

Celebrate Milestones And Holidays

Continue to celebrate milestones and holidays with your loved one after they move into care. You can make arrangements to join your loved one for a special meal or family celebration. Including your loved one in milestone celebrations, such as a grandchild’s birthday, is an excellent way to keep them involved and create positive memories.

Encourage Hobbies And Social Engagement

Engaging in hobbies can help your loved one prevent certain health issues by supporting their mental health. You can help them continue enjoying their hobbies by providing the supplies they need or taking them shopping for supplies. You could also get them to teach you or another family member, such as a grandchild, about the hobby.

Older adults also benefit from exploring new hobbies, as these activities promote cognitive health and provide personal fulfillment. If your loved one is nervous about trying new things, you could take them to a class so you can learn a new hobby together.

Encouraging your loved one to engage in socialization activities promotes their mental health and well-being. Staying socially active prevents feelings of isolation that can lead to depression. You can promote social interaction by joining your loved one for group games or activities at their care facility.

Support Emotional Well-Being

Visiting, communicating, and being involved in your loved one’s life are excellent ways of supporting their emotional well-being. You can also check in with your loved one and ask how they’re feeling.

You may also encourage them to talk to a therapist if they’re struggling with a sense of loss after moving or feeling isolated or overwhelmed in their new environment. Supporting their emotional well-being can ease the transition to a care facility.

How Haven Health Encourages Family Participation

Haven Health provides skilled nursing and specialized care for older adults. We welcome family member participation in care planning and encourage you to meet the team supporting your loved one. This ensures you’re informed about their care.

You can actively support your loved one by encouraging them to stay socially active, complete exercises, and engage in activities that promote their cognitive health.

Building A Partnership With Caregivers

The value of being a Haven Health patient includes enjoying a partnership with the team providing your loved one’s care. We welcome and encourage open communication. With regular communication and participation in your loved one’s care, you can ensure they receive the support they need to thrive.

Contact Haven Health.