Has your elderly parent or loved one recently moved to a senior living community? If so, you likely have questions or concerns about how you will stay connected. More than anything, it is important that you stay involved in your loved one’s life.

Here are five tips that will help you maintain and strengthen a supportive relationship with a loved one who has moved into a senior living community.

Schedule regular in-person visits.

The best way to stay connected to a family member in senior living is to schedule regular in-person visits. If you live nearby, consider weekly Sunday dinners where you visit them at their community for a meal. Your visits can be as simple as sitting and chatting, completing a puzzle together or taking a stroll around the community grounds. Many senior living communities have shared common spaces and recreational areas where families can gather when they visit.

Involve close friends and family members.

Involve other family members, friends and neighbors who are part of your elderly loved one’s support system. Not only will this help your loved one feel remembered and cared for, but the shared responsibility can help relieve stress and create a more robust support system.

Utilize technology.

Consistent in-person visits aren’t always an option for seniors and family members, which can make maintaining meaningful long-distance relationships feel difficult. Fortunately, technology like FaceTime, Zoom and other video chat applications make it easy to talk to family and friends when you can’t physically be together. Make it a priority to video call your loved one on a regular basis! A group video chat with multiple members of the family is a great way to connect and share news and events, helping everyone stay connected.

Send special care packages.

Receiving a special package is a great way to let someone know that you are thinking about them. Aim to send a care package to your loved every month if possible. Include a variety of their favorite items, like sweet treats, books, a cozy blanket, handwritten letters or artwork from grandkids, photos of the family or new stationary.

Encourage socialization within the community.

Today’s senior living communities offer planned events, activities and amenities that promote social engagement and interaction among residents. Encourage your older parent or loved one to participate in community clubs or events as a great way to socialize with peers. This will them help build a strong support network, foster a sense of belonging and positively impact their mental and emotional well-being.

It's normal to feel concerned or overwhelmed about how to stay connected to an older loved one living in a senior community. Remember that these communities want family members to be involved. Make plans to visit your loved one as much as possible. Send heartfelt gifts in the mail and call often when in-person visits aren’t possible. And finally, encourage your loved one to stay active in the community through planned programs and activities that foster social interactions.