There are a few things known to be critical for longevity and quality of life as people age. Perhaps the most critical is human connection. Engaging with other people prevents isolation and loneliness among seniors. The importance of family in senior care cannot be overstated. As advocates for their senior family member, supportive and loving family can be invaluable in helping seniors maintain their mental and physical health. There are numerous family caregiving roles, and not all of them apply in every situation. However, the benefits of family in senior care are many. We welcome involved, engaged, caring families at all six of our Buckner Retirement Services senior living community locations in Texas.
To learn more about the role of family in senior care, reach out to Buckner Retirement Services by calling 214.227.7182. We will answer your questions and provide you with information about the many ways you can be integral in your senior relative’s life and well-being, fulfilling functions that are comfortable and manageable for you and meaningful to them.
The Role of Family in Senior Care
What role can a family member play in the lives of their older relatives? The value to a senior when a family member is involved is great. Some of the things an engaged family member can do include:
- Offering help when needed, from driving the older relative to an appointment or shopping to helping with bills, insurance claims, or cleaning
- Advocating for the senior to make sure they get the proper care, whether in their senior community, with their medical providers, or in case of hospitalization
- Keeping an older relative connected to people, technology, and the outside world
- Providing outings, family get-togethers, opportunities to be outdoors and get exercise, or simply spending quality time to ensure the senior stays active, confident, engaged, and independent
- Talking, reminiscing, showing interest – regular human outreach
Never underestimate the value of your time and attention in your senior relative’s life.
The Benefits of Family in Senior Care
Relationships between seniors and their families are linked to positive outcomes in so many areas, from health to quality of life. Some tangible good outcomes that solidify the importance of family in senior care include:
- Greater longevity – Strong family ties are proven to increase lifespans.
- Better mental health – Seniors with family support are less likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges that are common among isolated seniors.
- Better cognitive functioning – The brain lights up in so many regions when someone is interacting with people, and even more so with loved ones. The engagement on an emotional and intellectual level of conversing, laughing, and connecting keeps the mind sharp.
- Greater physical health – The active presence of family in the life of an older person can help with physical activity, nutrition, and a stronger immune system.
- Improved healing and recovery – Overall health is affected by illness and injury, especially among seniors. Close ties to family speeds healing for seniors, which in turn impacts lifespan. Inflammation and blood pressure are also reduced when there are strong family bonds.
Emotional support is as critical as practical support. That means that when a family member comes to spend an afternoon playing Scrabble with a senior, it is as meaningful as driving them to a doctor’s appointment or taking them grocery shopping. Never doubt the value of family to those in their senior years. By helping them with mental and physical well-being, the family allows their senior relative to maintain a level of independence for much longer.
Call Buckner Retirement Services Today to Join Our Senior Living Community
If you want to talk to someone about the ways you can help a senior family member, reach out to Buckner Retirement Services via this online form or by calling 214.227.7182. At all our Buckner sites, we welcome involved family members and encourage you to keep the bonds of family strong.
Our mission is to help the residents in our senior communities maintain high quality of life and live long and happy post-retirement lives.