As our loved ones age, the transition to assisted living becomes a significant part of their journey. Assisted living facilities provide essential support for seniors. This also counts for facilities that cater to memory care. Open communication is crucial. It’s the main aspect that ensures the well-being of your elderly family member is maintained. This article will explore the importance of ongoing communication with the assisted living team. Keep reading for tips on maintaining this connection to ensure the best outcome for your elderly loved one.
The Significance of Assisted Living
Assisted living facilities offer a caring environment for seniors who need help with daily activities. These facilities provide a structured and caring atmosphere and support with things such as:
- Medication management
- Meal preparation
- Mobility support
The dedicated staff in assisted living undergo specialized training. Usually, memory care staff have to get even more training; this enables them to understand the unique needs of individuals facing cognitive challenges.
Benefits of Assisted Living
Before delving into communication, it’s important to understand the benefits of assisted living. Firstly, these facilities ensure the safety and security of residents.
Trained professionals are available around the clock to respond to emergencies and provide assistance as needed. The older you get, the more likely you are to need assistance. And chances are these emergencies won’t happen in the middle of the day.
Additionally, the social aspect of communal living can hugely improve the quality of life for seniors. It’s easy to lose contact with friends and neighbors as you age. That’s why assisted living reduces feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Assisted living facilities often organize various activities and programs for the residents. While they might not be everyone’s cup of tea, they’re tailored to the resident’s interests and capabilities. This helps mental stimulation and encourages social interaction and a sense of community.
Scheduled Family Calls: Bridging the Gap
In the digital age, maintaining communication has become more accessible than ever. Scheduled family calls are a vital bridge between:
- You
- Your loved one
- Their assisted living team
Establish a virtual or phone communication routine. This keeps you informed about your family member’s well-being. It also reassures them of regular contact with their support system.
These scheduled calls offer a platform for discussing concerns. It provides updates and insight from the assisted living team about your loved one’s:
- Health
- Medications
- Daily activities
Regular communication ensures everyone is on the same page.
Taking care of your loved one in assisted living involves more than just handling day-to-day tasks. Open and honest communication makes sure everyone is working together and addressing issues as needed. This is crucial if the person in assisted living doesn’t want to cooperate with the team.
This approach helps create a supportive system that benefits the well-being of your elderly family member. Incorporating family members into the care process can also positively impact residents and their relatives’ emotional health.
Sharing updates, memories, and anecdotes during scheduled calls provides a sense of continuity. It also reinforces the notion that the family remains integral to the individual’s life, even when living in an assisted setting.
Emphasizing Honest Communication
Honesty is the cornerstone of good communication. Maintaining transparency with the assisted living team is essential. This can include sharing information about your loved one’s preferences, habits, and any changes in their health.
It’s also important to encourage an open dialogue with all family members. This gives people the space to talk about their experiences and feelings. This can help identify areas where support may be needed.
Tips on Maintaining Contact With the Assisted Living and Memory Care Team
Participate in family meetings organized by the assisted living facility. These meetings offer a platform for direct communication with the caregiving team. It allows you to discuss your loved one’s needs, share concerns, and stay informed about any changes in their care plan.
Use communication apps or platforms suggested by the assisted living facility. This can include things like secure messaging apps or online portals. This can provide real-time updates on your family member’s:
- Well-being
- Activities
- Medical developments
Establish a shared calendar with the assisted living team. This can be used to coordinate visits, medical appointments, and family calls.
This ensures that everyone is aware of important dates and events. It also facilitates better coordination between family members and the staff.
Appoint a family member as a liaison who regularly communicates with the assisted living team. This designated person can be a point of contact for the family and the caregiving staff. This will streamline communication and ensure that important information is relayed quickly.
Supplement verbal communication with written updates. This can include sending emails or notes detailing:
- Specific concerns
- Questions
- Extra information about your loved one’s preferences
Providing written documentation ensures that details are accurately recorded and easily accessible. Collaboratively discuss your loved ones:
- Evolving needs
- Preferences
- Any adjustments required in their care plan
Make sure to take part in social events organized by the assisted living facility. These gatherings provide an opportunity to interact with the caregiving team and other families. This is important to help build a sense of community within the facility.
Share helpful feedback with the assisted living team. If you see them doing good things, we’ll let them know it’s appreciated. Also, talk openly with them about things that could be better; this helps create a friendly and supportive environment for caring for your loved one.
Giving feedback regularly ensures the care matches what you expect and what your loved one needs.
Maintain Communication With Loved One’s Assisted Living Team
You can ensure the best care for your elderly family member by engaging with the assisted living team. This also plays a role in preserving and strengthening the bonds that form the foundation of a loving and caring family.
Inspired Living Care provide dedicated care and various living options for your loved one. Schedule a tour of our facilities to see how we can help you. We strive to create environments where people can thrive.
