Moving into retirement communities and away from the familiarity of your friends and family in your current neighborhood can be a stressful experience. The role of familial involvement cannot be understated in helping retirees feel more well-adjusted. Family involvement in the lives of residents in retirement communities has many positive effects, such as relieving stress and mood-boosting as it helps them feel less alone. If you have a loved one who is considering senior living services in Harris County, TX, read on to learn how you can get involved.
Family Members Provide a Higher Degree of Emotional Support
Family members can be the bridge that helps residents better integrate with their new community. Although community caregivers are trained professionals in the areas of medical and mental health, they are still new to the resident and would have yet to fully understand their history and personality. As a start, it would be useful for family members to provide detailed explanations of their loved one’s preferences and habits for caregivers to create the most satisfying experience.
Residents may also not trust their new caregivers immediately and hesitate to reach out. Family members would be more accustomed to their loved one’s cues and communication style, hence better understanding if they were upset and needed companionship. Hence, staying in constant contact with your loved ones that live in retirement communities is extremely important.
Family Involvement Helps to Relieve Stress in Residents
Stress and isolation can significantly impact your immune system and make you more prone to illnesses. The comfort that family members can then provide would be a huge stress reliever, as even a simple phone call can be the gateway to reminiscing about happy memories or laughing over inside jokes. The constant presence of an involved family can reassure residents that their loved ones will always be there for them — a good reminder to have on bad days.
Families can also relieve stress through financial support, such as assisting with the costs of senior living services or medical bills. This can reduce the burden that some residents may feel about their finances.
Family Involvement Adds Variety to Residents’ Lifestyles
Life at a resort-style retirement community is already exciting and fulfilling, but one way that family members can help add variety to their schedules is by visiting often. At our community, this is made easier through our Connections Transport program which provides complimentary transportation into nearby towns based on a resident’s schedule. Loved ones can meet up at landmark areas in Harris County and other cities to enjoy arts and cultural sites, vineyards and even the beach.
Socially engaged seniors get to have more fun and feel better about themselves, improving cognitive function and overall well-being. The happier your loved one is, the more they will enjoy their overall retirement community experience and truly benefit from all that is on offer.
