February is the month of love. February is also a cold, dark and snowy month for many areas across the country – in fact, Baldwin House Senior Living in Michigan was just blanketed in snow from a recent storm.
When it’s cold and snowy it may be hard for a caregiver to get in to visit Mom or Dad in their Baldwin House Senior Living apartment and that’s understandable. Our caring staff knows the importance of interaction with friends and family as a way to ensure your loved one isn’t suffering from the effects of isolation.
Relationships are the secret ingredient to healthy aging, and we have tips to help your loved one stay connected and engaged – no matter what time of the year it is!
- Encourage your loved one to get involved. In our communities, we have programs and activities and opportunities to enjoy a meal with one another.
- Deliver a home-cooked meal of your loved one’s favorite dishes or even offer a treat of their favorite meal from a fast-food restaurant. Sometimes, you just have to indulge.
- Don’t forget special events like birthdays, anniversaries or other dates your loved one feels a connection to. On a holiday like Valentine’s day, even if you can’t visit, order a box of chocolates or a beautiful flower arrangement, have it delivered, then call and talk with your loved one to check-in.
- Reach out electronically. If your loved one is tech-savvy, give him or her an electronic device or a tablet and schedule video chats. Get the grandchildren involved and let them come on screen and get say hello!
- If your loved one is healthy enough, consider getting him or her a pet. A dog may be too much work and require too much activity, but cats are ideal pets for aging adults. A fish tank is both beautiful and relaxing and gives your loved one a way to stay connected. Who knows a fish tank may also be a place for his or her other friends to gather and say hello!
- Make a phone call. The simple act of picking up the phone and calling a loved one will make his or her day and help combat loneliness. The call doesn’t have to be hours long. It can be a quick check-in just to let them know you’re thinking of them.
- Listen when they’re talking. Let them regale you with the same stories they’ve told before.
We’ve written before about how to beat the winter blues and these ideas just might be a way for you and your loved ones to connect.
Visit a Baldwin House Senior Living community near you and ask what activities we have planned for our residents as we welcome autumn together. Baldwin House Senior Living is built upon the strong foundation of guiding families and empowering seniors.
Call us today to schedule a visit. We’d love to meet you or your loved one!
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