According to data analytics company Grand View Research, about 62 million adults ages 65 and older live in the US. As life expectancy rises, the demand for senior housing increases. The US senior living market could grow by over 4% by 2030 as the elderly population grows.
If you have parents who reside in a senior living community, visiting them often could be crucial to their health and quality of life. Visiting family gives them the chance to connect, reduces loneliness, and improves senior emotional well-being.
What are the other benefits of visiting elderly parents? Read on to find out!
Benefits of Visiting Elderly Parents
Visiting family can benefit everyone involved. Here are a few ways regular family visits for seniors can enhance your loved one’s life.
Improved Senior Emotional Well-Being
According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging, about one in three adults ages 50 to 80 feel isolated from others. Visiting your elderly parents regularly can help them combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. Otherwise, loneliness may impact their senior emotional well-being and physical health, causing:
- Cognitive decline
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease)
- Heart disease
- Weakened immune function
- Death
Keep communicating with your elderly parents between visits. Encourage them to use technology, including texts, emails, and chats. Keeping them socially engaged can reduce their risk of loneliness and these potential health risks.
Show Them You Care
Visiting your elderly parents regularly will show them how much you care. Seeing proof that you love them can uplift their spirits. While they may know you care for them deep down, neglecting to visit often may cause doubts.
Show your elderly parents that you care by checking in with them regularly. Routine visits can bring the entire family closer. Knowing they’re loved and cared for may improve their emotional well-being the next time they feel lonely.
Better Brain Health
Remember, family visits for seniors can benefit you and your loved one. Use these visits as an opportunity to reminisce. Before your next visit, gather:
- Photo albums
- Home videos
- Memory boxes and familiar keepsakes
If you have children, regular visits give kids time to learn about their family history. You can start making new memories as a family.
Reminiscence therapy involves recalling past events (either in written or oral format). This research indicates that reminiscence therapy can improve self-esteem and comfort in older patients. It may benefit patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Potential benefits of reminiscing with your elderly parents include:
- Increased quality of life
- Feelings of joy
- Reduced unwanted behaviors
- Opportunities to connect with others
- Ease in finding meaning in life
- Helps seniors accept current life conditions
- Decreased stress
- Improved sense of well-being
- Deeper intergenerational connections with relatives
- Reduced depression symptoms
A loved one with dementia may feel lost or struggle to connect with relatives. Reminiscing can help you forge stronger emotional connections.
Usually, patients with dementia lose their short-term memory while retaining the ability to access long-term memories. Encourage your elderly parents to talk about their youth.
They’ll feel accomplished after sharing their history. You may even hear a new story or learn something new about them.
Get Help Improving Senior Quality of Life
Visiting your elderly parents regularly will allow you to assess their physical and emotional health. You may recognize that their needs have changed over time. You’ll have an easier time requesting changes to their care to ensure those needs are met.
These regular visits can put your mind at ease. You’ll know your elderly parents are receiving the best possible care.
Choose a senior living community that personalizes its services based on each resident’s unique concerns. Knowing an experienced, compassionate team is caring for your loved ones will give you peace of mind.
Socializing regularly can improve your parents’ physical, mental, and emotional health. This can improve their quality of life, which may strengthen their immune systems and reduce the risk of serious health conditions. In other words, regular visits may help them stay healthy longer, improving their longevity.
Senior-Family Connection Tips
The next time you visit your elderly parents, consider:
- Bringing your kids
- Helping them explore new hobbies
- Looking at old photos and videos together
- Doing a puzzle or playing a game
- Having a conversation
These senior-family connections tips can make each visit meaningful. You can start developing new memories together.
Planning fun activities during your visits can give your loved ones a fresh sense of purpose. It will give them something to look forward to while reminding them that they belong in the family. As they eagerly anticipate your next visit, it could motivate them and uplift their spirits.
These activities can provide your elderly parents with mental stimulation. Games and puzzles can keep their minds active, potentially slowing cognitive decline.
Before future visits, check their senior living community’s events calendar. You may find upcoming events that are ideal for the entire family. Participating may encourage your parents to socialize with other seniors in their community.
During your next visit, talk to your elderly parents about their current needs or any challenges they’re facing. Note changes you’ve seen in their physical or mental health.
These visits will help you remain proactive. You can ensure any health issues are addressed promptly, minimizing discomfort or future problems.
Visiting your parents can improve their quality of life. Your presence can bring them joy while ensuring they feel loved. That sense of belonging and happiness can benefit their overall well-being.
Begin Visiting Family Today
Visiting family goes beyond improving senior quality of life. It can benefit your quality of life by allowing you to forge deeper connections with your parents. Regular family visits for seniors can remind everyone that they’re loved and cared for.
For the best senior living community in Covington, LA, choose The Trace. We offer a personalized approach, the friendliest staff, and comfortable living options that meet the needs of each resident.
Discover our exclusive senior lifestyle programs to ensure your loved ones experience the luxuries they deserve. Contact us now to schedule a tour!
