{"id":5432,"date":"2020-08-26T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-08-26T04:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/senior-solutions.local\/staying-connected-with-your-long-distance-parent\/"},"modified":"2026-06-02T15:36:04","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T20:36:04","slug":"staying-connected-with-your-long-distance-parent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.seniorsolutionshomecare.com\/nashville\/staying-connected-with-your-long-distance-parent\/","title":{"rendered":"Staying Connected with Your Long-Distance Parent"},"content":{"rendered":"

They say \u201cdistance makes the heart grow fonder,\u201d but it certainly doesn\u2019t make it easy to deal with missing your loved ones. Especially for\u00a0seniors\u00a0who live alone, they may be at a higher risk for depression if their loved ones live too far away to spend time with them. Do you live hundreds of miles away from mom and dad, only travelling to their home on rare occasions? Do you work too often to make regular visits? Has the\u00a0COVID-19 pandemic<\/a>\u00a0made it dangerous for you to spend quality time with your\u00a0aging parents? No matter what your situation is, we\u2019re here to help. Here are some helpful solutions for staying connected with your long-distance parent!<\/p>\n

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Send Them Snail Mail<\/h3>\n

A handwritten letter or note cheers up many\u00a0seniors! Especially when it comes from the children or grandchildren they love, that letter is more than a message. It\u2019s also a keepsake they can post on their fridge or put on their bedside table. If you write to your long-distance parent, make the letter personal and memorable! Ask them how their\u00a0pets\u00a0are doing, tell them about something funny that happened at work or school, and remind them of a favorite memory with them. The more detail you put into the letter, the more they will feel connected to you and what is happening in your life.<\/p>\n

Teach Them How To Video Call<\/h3>\n

Many\u00a0seniors\u00a0feel intimidated by video calling, but it\u2019s still worth a try with your long-distance parent. Speaking face-to-face makes the connection and conversation feel more personal. You can even show your parent that new decoration or pet in your home! Most\u00a0seniors\u00a0will need help to get started with video calling, so walk them through it in a letter or over the phone. You can also ask one of their neighbors or\u00a0caregivers\u00a0to assist them. Be patient and helpful, because this technology is likely a new adventure for them!\u00a0For more information about how you can get your elderly parents set up with video calling, check out this how-to article from the Philadelphia Inquirer.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

Send Them Special Gifts<\/h3>\n

A personalized gift shows that you care and that you know them well. Send them something with sentimental or practical value. That way, every time they look at it or use it around their home, they\u2019ll think of you!<\/p>\n

For more on creative gifts that you can give to your long-distance parent, check out our blog:\u00a0Showing Love to Seniors<\/a><\/p>\n

Make Your Visits Meaningful<\/h3>\n

If you have time to visit your\u00a0aging\u00a0loved one, remember that time together is rare and cherished! Focus less on chores and bills and more on spending quality time with them. Are there activities that they enjoy doing with you? Is there a recipe you\u2019ve been wanting to try? Take time to make your visits special and limit the stress you place on your parents\u2019 care and finances. You can help them with most of those things over the internet or on the phone!<\/p>\n

For tips on fun activities you can do with your aging parent, check out our blog: Fun Summer Activities for Seniors<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Find New Ways To Keep Tabs on Their Health and Safety<\/h3>\n

It can be difficult to notice when your parent\u2019s\u00a0health\u00a0or habits change if you don\u2019t see them regularly, but there are several simple ways to keep track of their changing needs! Here are some of our top tips:<\/p>\n