How to Support Your Loved One in Assisted Living from a Distance

With the development of ongoing illnesses like long COVID, we are continually trying to reassess how to help our clients and loved ones that live in senior living communities.  If you are a family member or close friend of someone living in an assisted living or a skilled nursing home, how can you help out?  First, let’s address how important you are to your loved one.  In a time of uncertainty our frailest loved ones need us more than ever.  Whether you live far away, or are no longer allowed to visit per the facility’s guidelines, it’s hard to understand how to help.  The most important thing you can do for your loved one is to keep in touch with them.  Call daily if that is helpful to them, and  talk about other things besides the outbreak.  Encourage your loved one to turn off the news and watch an old movie or favorite sitcom instead.  If they have a streaming service they can find hundreds of old shows or silly comedies to keep their minds off the news.  My family and I have started watching reruns of “The Andy Griffith Show” which always makes us smile and laugh.  If you can, face time them and talk about old memories or other topics to keep their minds off the drama outside.  I have a client who calls her daughter daily and they spend a half an hour reading over the phone to one another. 

Practically speaking, ask your loved one or staff at the facility if they need any supplies.  You can order just about anything these days online and have it sent directly to your loved one.  If you can’t send it, drop it off.  Most facilities are still allowing you to pull up and have a staff member come out and pick up packages you leave.  I recently dropped off a supply of toiletries to my client along with some magazines, books and a cheerful note that reminded her that I’m thinking about her.  You can also call and speak to the staff at your loved one’s facility.  Nurses and administrators can give you updates and reassure you if you have concerns about your loved one’s health.   If you need more help with your loved one, care managers are always available.  We may not be able to go into the facility either, but we know the staff and have set up specific communication for our clients on a regular basis to ensure their needs are still being met.  In these tough times, we’re here to help.  Stay Healthy, Stay Positive.