Assisted living is a wonderful option. It helps your parents continue living the life they love. For older adults who value their independence but need some daily support, this is a great choice. But once your parents have settled into their new home, how often should you visit?
It greatly depends on your own schedules and preferences. Some families enjoy weekly or daily visits while others prefer them spaced apart. Spend some time talking with your parents, and work together to find a schedule that works for you. This is key to making the most of every visit!
The Importance of Regular Visits
Assisted living, or personal care, is a lifestyle designed to blend independence and professional care. It’s particularly helpful for older adults who need daily support but still want to stay independent.
However, once they move in, regular visits are crucial. While personal care does offer all kinds of social opportunities to your parents, your own presence makes a difference. It helps them stay connected to their family and friends and shows they’re loved and valued.
Regular visits are the key to a strong and healthy relationship with your parents. They boost mental and emotional health while building trust and helping to maintain a positive outlook. By visiting your parents, you’re making a big difference in their quality of life.
Understanding Your Parents’ Needs
To make each visit enjoyable, you need to understand what your parents need and want. Once they move into their new home, spend time talking with them about what they’d like in the future.
Open communication is essential here. Talk to your parents and ask them:
- How often they would like you to visit
- What activities they would like to participate in together
- Any concerns or issues they may have about their new living situation
- How they are adjusting to their new environment
Keep any lines of communication open, and make sure to be adaptable. This lets you build a schedule that works for both of you.
Remember—it isn’t about the quantity of visits, but the quality. Taking the time to have this conversation helps you and your parents find a pattern that matches all of your needs.
Tips for Making Every Visit Count
Once you have your schedule, try to prepare ahead of time for every visit. This is a simple way to keep you and your parents engaged during your visit. It helps to:
- Bring small gifts, photos, or trinkets. A simple gesture like a favorite snack or a new family photo can brighten your parents’ day and spark joyful conversations.
- Plan activities ahead of time. Engage in events and activities your parents enjoy or try something new together, such as a board game or crafting project, to create new memories.
- Listen actively when in conversation. Allow your parents to share stories and experiences. Your listening can be a source of comfort and connection during your visits.
- Stay present and focus on being in the moment. Put away distractions like phones to ensure your time together is meaningful and full of warmth.
- Celebrate milestones. Acknowledge special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries with a small celebration, making your parents feel cherished and appreciated.
A little planning goes a long way. By preparing for your visit, you take plenty of stress from the situation. Instead of constantly trying to think on your feet, you can relax and enjoy quality time with your parents.
Using Technology to Help
Sometimes, life can get in the way, and you’ll need to change up your schedule. This is completely natural, so go easy on yourself. Remember—you don’t always have to be there in person. Instead, use the technology at your disposal to stay in touch, even when distance is a problem.
Most modern smartphones support video calling apps that can make it easy to stay connected with your parents. You’ll be able to catch up and spend time bonding together—even if you’re on the other side of the country. These digital interactions help you maintain a close bond and stay informed about their day-to-day life.
Stay Connected, Stay Informed
Regular visits to your parents are more essential than most people think. It’s how you stay connected, close, and bonded. And here at The Bridges at Bent Creek, we’re ready to support you and your parents during this transition.
Here, we know how important it is for older adults to be part of the community around them. That’s why we offer so many different events and experiences to make every day special. Contact our team today for more information, or schedule a visit for yourself! Your involvement makes a world of difference.
