When family members play the role of primary caregiver, their role in the family – husband, wife, son or daughter – can sometimes take a back seat and complicate family dynamics. When it gets to the point of making the transition to a retirement community, it is normal to feel anxious about all these changes because family member-caregivers pour their time and energy into ensuring the health and safety of their loved one. They help with dressing, assist with personal hygiene, portion and distribute medicines, schedule appointments, plan activities, provide transportation to doctor’s offices, cook meals, and the list goes on and on.
On our campuses in all levels of care, there is a team of co-workers responsible for each of those tasks and share in the care by providing full-service and dedicated support to each resident and their family. This alleviates a lot of responsibilities from the family member-caregivers and allows them to focus on what matters most: a loving relationship.
“It was so hard to let go of the caretaker for my father,” shared a Frederick resident’s family member. “Country Meadows made the transition for me so easy. I’m very grateful for County Meadows and the staff. It has given me peace and my father is living the dream!”
“My father passed away about one year ago and he loved my mother very deeply and provided for her in all ways. How was I, the oldest daughter going make sure my mother would be cared for and loved the rest of her life?” shared a Hershey resident’s family member. “The answer was Country Meadows. In the almost year she has been there she has made friends, laughed and smiled from her heart. I have seen joy and happiness flow from her. She feels she is part of a big family who support one another and cheer each other on through achievements and hardships.”
The transition to a retirement community brings about many feelings and can put the focus on what is changing: a physical move, downsizing cherished belongings, etc. Statements like these are examples of flipping the script and encourage us to think about what is truly gained from a retirement community: peace of mind, family involvement and support.
Quality Visits
There are no visiting hours in our campuses. Our residents call Country Meadows home so the door is always open for family members and visitors to stop in for a visit. While family members may not be able to check in every day, regular visits can make a big difference in a resident’s quality of life. Visits don’t have to be long, but when there are meaningful interactions and shared conversation and activities, we see a boost in the resident’s mood.
Tip: In our campuses, there are private dining rooms that can be reserved to celebrate holiday’s birthday and other special milestones. Just because the addresses change, doesn’t mean the family traditions have to!
Embracing Technology
Connecting with loved ones in a retirement community is easier now than ever before thanks to technology. Through video calls, text messaging and social media, seniors and their families can communicate nearly instantaneously. Consider introducing apps like Facetime, WhatsApp or family group chat text messages to keep everyone in the family involved. These apps are great for having face-to-face interactions, sharing pictures or updating each other on the happenings of the day or week.
Tip: Make a schedule with family members and siblings on who is checking in with the resident which week. Regular check-ins not only strengthen bonds, it’s a good way of seeing first-hand if health issues are progressing. Also seeing a loved one thriving in the retirement community gives family members peace of mind.
Join in the Community Events and Activities
At Country Meadows, all of our resident activities are also open to family members. If a resident has a visitor but it’s time for fitness, we encourage loved ones to tag along. If it’s time for a craft workshop, roll up those sleeves and join in on the fun. Throughout the year, there are often events hosted by the retirement community, such as holiday parties, open houses and other activities that families can attend.
Tip: When family members see their loved one thriving and having fun with new friends, they are confident they made the right decision and maybe experience a new feeling: peace of mind. Additionally, there are support groups available at the retirement community to help families navigate seasons of transition. Reach out to the campus near you to learn about upcoming events.
Staying Informed
Family members are involved in the care plans for the residents. Through annual care plan meetings and regular conversations with the care team, family members can stay abreast of their loved one’s health and well-being.
Tip: Respect the residents’ independence. Depending on the circumstances of the move in, residents may find they can do more things independently when receiving full support in their respective level of care helping them feel empowered and gain in confidence in themselves and their abilities. Consider involving them in the planning of visits and schedules because they might be very excited to go to an activity at that time. Consider asking to meet their friends and their neighbors’ families if they also visit to validate their efforts at socialization.
A Family-Approach to Senior Living at Country Meadows
As a family-owned and family-involved company, we take this family-approach to a retirement community very personally and strive to create an environment where our residents, their families and loved ones feel the unconditional love and support they expect and deserve. We can’t wait to welcome your family to our campus. Please contact an advisor at a community near you to see if a move to Country Meadows is the next right step for you or your loved one.