Maintaining regular contact with a loved one in assisted living or memory care is vital for their emotional well-being—and yours. In-person visits are often the most comforting and meaningful, but they may not always be feasible due to distance, caregiving duties, work, or personal limitations.
Remote Communication
Many forward-thinking facilities understand the importance of staying connected and provide robust communication options, including:
- Dedicated “communications pods” equipped with phones, computers, and high-speed internet
- Assistance for residents using popular apps and platforms, including:
- Skype
- Google Meet or Teams
- FaceTime (for Apple users)
- Zoom or other user-friendly alternatives
These tools allow caregivers, family, and friends to stay engaged through phone calls and video chats—especially crucial when physical visits aren’t possible.
Special Considerations for Facilities in Mexico
When a loved one resides in a facility in Mexico, visits require significant travel and logistics. This makes digital communication even more critical. Before choosing a facility abroad, consider how supportive they are in facilitating remote contact and easing the challenges of international travel. While a facility may not serve as a full-service travel agency, many are happy to assist with:
- Local transportation arrangements (e.g., shuttle pickups from the airport)
- Recommendations for nearby hotels or accommodations
- Scheduling assistance for visits or video calls
Building a Local Support Network
If you’re not living nearby, having someone local to act as an advocate can be invaluable. This might include:
- A friend or family member living nearby
- A volunteer or friendly neighbor you’ve come to trust
- A staff member at the facility assigned to communicate with families
These local contacts can help monitor your loved one’s well-being, provide updates, and even offer emotional support during challenging periods.
Best Practices for Staying Connected
- Schedule regular calls. Having a consistent call schedule gives your loved one something to look forward to.
- Send letters, photos, or care packages. Tangible reminders of home and family can be deeply comforting.
- Encourage social engagement. If the facility hosts events or group activities, encourage your loved one to participate and ask the staff to share photos or updates.
- Leverage technology creatively. Share family updates through recorded videos, shared photo albums, or live-streamed events like birthdays or holidays.
Download the Expatriate Guide for Senior Living in Mexico – For your convenience, the entire 50-page guide is available for download as a PDF. Additionally, give us a call at +1.888.406.7990 or email us at information.cielitolindo@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you.