How to Stay Connected with Loved Ones Who Live Far Away

Posted by Scott Cantin in mental health, Senior Health | 0 comments

As we age, it’s normal for family members and friends to move away, in some cases, even across the country. Whether you have children who start their lives hours away from you or siblings who end up states away, it can be challenging to see those you love move. It can also make it hard to stay in touch. Still, physical distance doesn’t have to mean emotional distance.

Advancare is committed to ensuring seniors remain connected with loved ones who live far away. These tips and tricks will help you think of new ways to connect with your friends and family all while building an even deeper bond.

Make an effort

The most important part of maintaining a strong relationship with friends and family who live far away is making the effort in the first place. Distance inevitably changes a relationship, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of it. It takes additional effort to stay in touch with loved ones who live far away, but it’s well worth it.

Making an effort, including reaching out regularly, shows your loved one that you are committed to maintaining the relationship. Utilize new forms of communication, even ones you aren’t comfortable with at first. This shows you are willing to step outside your comfort zone for the sake of the relationship.

Schedule regular video calls

Phone calls are excellent ways to stay in touch with loved ones, but there’s something to be said about the connective power of video calls. The COVID-19 pandemic popularized the use of video calls, with an estimated 47.6 percent of adults using video conferencing for both work and personal use. Video calling is more popular than ever with people of all ages. Video calls allow you to see your loved ones’ faces with just the click of a button.

Consider scheduling regular video call dates with those you want to stay in touch with. A call every other week is a great starting point, but ask what works for them and be flexible.

Remember important dates and life events

Talking is important, but there are many other ways to stay connected with friends and family members who live far away. Showing them you are thinking about them on important dates solidifies your bond and offers goodwill that endures. Sending cards for anniversaries, birthdays, and other live events is a great way to show you care.

It can be a challenge to keep track of special occasions. Take a minute at the start of the year and note all of these dates to remember in your phone, so you get reminders ahead of time. With a little bit of planning, showing love and appreciation through cards or notes is easy to do.

Don’t rely on social media to stay connected

It’s tempting to use social media as a way to stay informed on what your friends and family members are doing, especially since the majority of Americans use platforms like YouTube and Facebook. However, social media serves as a highlight reel and rarely showcases the reality of what might be going on in people’s lives. It can also create distance between loved ones when social media is the only form of communication utilized.

There’s nothing wrong with commenting on your loved one’s social posts and following their adventures, but make sure to supplement that with plenty of phone calls and video chats. Additionally, share big news with friends and family personally before posting it on a social media network.

Advancare provides in-home care services in Miami

No matter how busy you and your loved ones might be, staying in touch can offer a wealth of benefits, including stronger relationships and deeper emotional attachments. If you’re looking for ways to make the most of everyday experiences, including writing notes to relatives, consider senior care in Miami, like the services from Advancare. Our professional caregivers can assist with a wide variety of household tasks, providing you with the compassionate, personalized care you need to thrive. Contact us today to learn more about caregiver services in Miami!