How to Stay in Touch with Loved Ones in Care Homes: A Family Guide
When a loved one moves into a care home, it’s natural to feel a mixture of emotions. You want them to feel safe, happy, and cared for, but you may also worry about how to keep your relationship strong when you’re not together every day.
At Primrose Lodge Southbourne, we believe family connections are just as important as professional care. Staying in touch not only strengthens emotional bonds but can also boost a resident’s wellbeing, reduce feelings of loneliness, and create a sense of belonging. Here’s our guide to staying connected, whether you’re near or far.
The Importance of Staying Connected
Regular contact with loved ones in a care home can make a huge difference to their mental and emotional health. It helps them feel included in family life, stimulates conversation and memory, and reassures them they are loved and valued.
At Primrose Lodge Southbourne, we see first-hand how a simple chat, a warm hug, or a shared laugh can brighten someone’s whole day.
Visiting in Person
Nothing can quite replace a face-to-face visit. Here are some ways to make each one meaningful:
- Bring something to share – family photos, a favourite snack, or a book you can read together.
- Plan an activity – a walk in the garden, listening to music, or looking through a photo album.
- Respect their routine – visits are most enjoyable when they fit into your loved one’s preferred time of day.
Our team at Primrose Lodge Southbourne welcomes visits and can help you plan special moments that suit your loved one’s needs.
Using Technology to Bridge the Gap
When you can’t visit in person, technology can help you stay connected:
- Video calls – platforms like Zoom or FaceTime let you see each other’s smiles.
- Regular phone calls – a familiar voice can be incredibly comforting.
- Messaging apps – share photos, voice notes, or short updates.
Our staff are always happy to assist residents with video calls or messaging, so even those less confident with technology can still feel included.
Creative Communication Ideas
Sometimes, the most meaningful messages come in simple, tangible forms:
- Letters and postcards – a handwritten note can be read over and over again.
- Scrapbooks or photo albums – these can be a wonderful way to share family milestones.
- Recorded messages – a short video or audio clip can be a treasured keepsake.
These personal touches can bring great comfort and spark conversations during your next visit.
Involving Loved Ones in Family Events
Even if your loved one can’t be physically present, they can still be part of special occasions:
- Arrange a video link during a birthday party or holiday celebration.
- Bring the celebration to them with decorations, cake, or music.
- Plan visits around milestones so they can join in person when possible.
We often help families celebrate birthdays and anniversaries here at Primrose Lodge Southbourne, making sure residents feel part of the joy.
Building a Routine of Contact
Setting a regular time for visits or calls can be reassuring for both you and your loved one. Predictability helps create anticipation and gives residents something to look forward to.
Encourage different family members to get involved so your loved one enjoys a variety of conversations and company.
How Primrose Lodge Southbourne Supports Family Connections
We know how important it is for residents to feel connected to their loved ones. That’s why we:
- Offer flexible visiting arrangements.
- Provide assistance with video calls and other communication tools.
- Encourage families to join in activities and events.
- Support residents in creating memory keepsakes to share with relatives.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s a weekly visit, a quick phone call, or a surprise postcard, every effort to stay in touch matters. Your presence – in person or virtually – can bring comfort, joy, and a sense of security.
At Primrose Lodge Southbourne, we’re here to help you keep those connections strong. If you’d like to arrange a visit or find out more about our visiting arrangements, contact us today – we’d love to welcome you.