Whether your loved ones live at home alone, in an independent living community, or in an assisted living facility, it can be a challenge to stay connected with them as much as you (and they) would like. The busy pace of life often makes it difficult to find the time to stay in touch, especially if they are far away. However, it's crucial to keep them engaged and involved in family life. Here are a few ideas to help you stay connected with your senior loved ones, no matter where they are.

Make It a Group Effort to Stay Connected

The more people involved in staying connected, the better! Neighbors, friends, and extended family can help.

Ideas to Make it a Group Effort:

• Set up a calling tree to ensure there’s always someone checking in.
• Encourage grandchildren and great-grandchildren to video call or send messages.
• Plan family visits that coincide with important milestones or events.
• Use a group chat to share updates, photos, and jokes that everyone can enjoy.

Put Important Dates on the Calendar

Consistency is key to helping seniors stay connected. The older we get, the smaller our world becomes, and it’s easy to lose track of time. Make sure you put significant dates—such as anniversaries, birthdays, and memorial dates—on the calendar, so you never miss an opportunity to reach out and show you care.

Use Technology 

Take advantage of tech tools to stay connected with your senior loved ones. Set reminders on Siri or Alexa for important dates or regular check-ins. Video technology like FaceTime, Amazon Echo Shows, or GrandPads make staying connected even easier, even if you’re far away. With these tools, you can have face-to-face conversations and share moments despite the distance.

Send Greeting Cards 

Sending greeting cards is a simple yet thoughtful way to stay connected with seniors. Using services like Postable, you can schedule cards for the whole year, making sure that your loved ones receive messages of love and support on special occasions. It’s a small but meaningful gesture that will remind them of your affection.

Use Digital Picture Frames

A great way to help your senior loved ones stay connected with your family is through a digital photo frame. These frames can be synced over Wi-Fi to automatically display photos of family events, giving your loved ones a window into your world without requiring them to do anything. It’s an easy, hassle-free way to keep them engaged with what’s happening in the family.

Send Gifts by Mail to Stay Connected

Subscription services, such as knitting boxes, craft kits, or floral arrangements, are an excellent way to send thoughtful, ongoing gifts to seniors. Entry Envy, for example, offers personalized signs for both community and home living, adding a personal touch to their living space. Subscription boxes and mailed gifts help seniors feel remembered and appreciated, making them feel more connected to family life.

By using these ideas to stay connected, you can ensure that your senior loved ones remain part of your life, even when you can’t always be there in person.

Thanks for helping us stay connected with our seniors. We’d love to hear your other ideas! Feel free to email us at social@entryenvy.com, and we can include them in a future blog. We are also available at this address if you have questions about Entry Envy custom signs.