Whether a loved one is transitioning to assisted living for seniors by choice or necessity, the move signifies a significant change for families. A common fear for seniors making this transition is losing connections with friends and family. Family members may also be concerned about their allowed time and involvement in the senior living community.
At Buckner Villas, we understand the concerns of a loved one transitioning to assisted living for seniors. We want to reassure you that we value and encourage family involvement in the lives of our residents. Our years of experience have shown that residents with a robust support system of friends and family enjoy better physical and mental health, leading to a higher quality of life.
Call 512.580.9882 to speak with an intake specialist about our assisted living program and schedule a visit for your loved one.
Tips for Effective Family Involvement in Assisted Living
Family involvement in assisted living is about more than just emotional support. At Buckner Villas, we believe that family members are crucial advocates for their loved ones’ needs. Our staff is as dedicated to building relationships with family members as they are to residents. This involvement enhances the emotional well-being of residents and ensures their needs are met.
Often, family members are unsure of how to support a loved one in assisted living. The following tips are some of the ways friends or family members can be a source of strength, comfort, and encouragement:
- Schedule regular visits – Whether daily, weekly, or monthly, having a consistent visitation schedule gives your loved one something to look forward to and encourages them to participate in activities and programs so they can share their experiences with you.
- Celebrate milestones – Visit your loved one or take them out, when possible, for special occasions, like birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and holidays.
- Take part in activities – Participating in events offered by the assisted living program can help strengthen bonds and promote your loved one’s active involvement.
- Create a personalized space – A homey environment with pictures, decorations, and favorite items enhances comfort and belonging.
- Help with decision-making – Assist your loved one with decisions about care, daily routines, and activities, but allow them to remain autonomous.
- Offer emotional support – Active listening and emotional support can help ease the transition by letting your loved one know their voice matters.
- Provide practical support – Offer to assist with tasks like organizing belongings, coordinating appointments, and managing paperwork.
Family members often are unsure how to interact with staff, especially when their loved one needs specialized or higher medical care. At Buckner Villas, we encourage family members to strongly advocate for their loved ones by helping communicate personal preferences, needs, or concerns and to keep an open line of communication to stay informed about any changes in their condition or how they are doing socially and emotionally.
The Benefits of Visiting Your Loved One in Assisted Living
The main benefit of regular visits or staying in touch, including phone calls, video chats, or letter writing, is the emotional support that helps your loved one know they are still a valued part of the family and won’t be forgotten about, which eases their transition. Family involvement has other significant benefits for both assisted living residents and their family members, such as:
- Improved communication with staff contributes to more personalized care for better outcomes.
- Family members familiar with their loved one’s medical history, routines, and personal preferences can share information that promotes continuity of care.
- Family visits strengthen emotional bonds and connectedness.
- Visits allow family members to monitor care to ensure the level of care provided meets their standards and expectations.
- Knowing their loved one is receiving care in a safe, supportive environment provides peace of mind for family members.
- Residents are less likely to isolate when family members can attend activities and events with them.
Assisted living programs provide family members with support and respite from caregiving duties so they can tend to their own needs. Still, many families feel guilty about taking the time to do so. Regular visits can ease this by letting them see that their loved one is making social connections and leading an enriching life while being well cared for.
Call Today to Schedule a Visit at Buckner Villas’ Senior Assisted Living Program
One of the best ways to make an informed decision in choosing the most suitable assisted living program for your loved one is to visit the program together. Using the program for respite care is a good way for family members and potential residents to get a complete sense of the program, level of care, and offerings.
Call 512.580.9882 or complete our web form to schedule a visit at Buckner Villas and see why we are Austin’s premier senior living community.