Staying Involved with a Loved One in Senior Living
January 27, 2026
Moving into a senior living facility can mark a rich and rewarding new chapter in your family member’s life. With it, however, come changes that can be challenging. You can expect your loved one to form meaningful bonds and enriching relationships in a vibrant senior living community. You should not, however, lose sight of how important your ongoing relationship with your relative is to both of you.
Fortunately, there are many ways to stay close to and involved in their life at The Hickman, an industry leader in senior care located in West Chester, PA.
Remember that In-Person Visits Are the Gold Standard
While every form of connection with your relative is important, nothing can take the place of visiting in person. Sharing meals, joining in activities, and simply spending one-on-one time on a regular basis are big parts of what make life joyful.
While visiting frequently isn’t always doable for those who live a considerable distance away, scheduling regular visits can make a serious difference. Celebrating holidays, birthdays, and accomplishments together helps strengthen family bonds.
Embrace Technology
When you can’t visit in person, it’s time to take advantage of all the technological advancements that are available. While phone calls are still a great way to connect, video calls can elevate the experience. With all the following options –-to name just a few-– there are plenty of opportunities to help fill in the gaps:
- Social media platforms
- Zoom and other video call platforms
- Texts
- Emails
- Messages sent through apps
Even if your loved one can’t be there, experiencing a family wedding, a grandchild’s dance performance, or anything else of note in real time via video can amplify family connections.
Don’t Forget the Classics
Receiving a card or letter in the mail still has the ability to brighten anyone’s day, and it remains a great way to reach out across the miles to your relative. Sharing pictures and photo albums is also an excellent means of sparking memories and driving meaningful conversations.
Keep Your Loved One Involved
Keeping your family member involved in your family occasions can make a big difference in terms of continuing to deepen intergenerational bonds. This can mean picking them up to join you for holiday meals, family get-togethers, reunions, weddings, and special occasions of all kinds.
If your loved one is not able to get out and about with you, however, you can arrange special celebrations in their senior community. This also allows you and your family members to become a more integral part of their daily lives. At The Hickman, we believe families are an essential part of community life. When loved ones stay engaged, whether by joining activities, attending events, or simply sharing moments, it strengthens the sense of belonging that makes our community feel like home.
A Nurturing Senior Living Community in West Chester Can Help You Stay Involved
The Hickman is a compassionate Friends senior living community in West Chester, PA, that encourages you to stay well-connected with your loved one. In fact, we have the grounds, spacious facilities, and group activities to support your efforts. Learn more about our commitment to helping you stay connected by contacting us online or calling us at 484-760-6300 today.