Why staying connected matters for family wellbeing
Staying connected as a family is essential for emotional well-being and strong relationships.
Regular communication helps family members feel supported, valued, and understood, especially during times of stress or change. It builds trust, reduces feelings of isolation, and creates a sense of belonging that boosts mental health for everyone. Whether through shared meals, conversations, or digital check-ins, staying connected nurtures love, stability, and resilience within the family. A Helping Hands carer can support you at home while making sure you stay fully connected with those you love, even if they’re far away. We provide companionship so you’ll never feel alone, with a kind and skilled carer by your side.
Communication tools to keep you close
There are many different communication tools in the digital age that you can use to stay connected with family.
Phone and video calling
Phone calls have always been a way to stay close to your family, and video calling is now available too. Regular video calls through platforms like Zoom, FaceTime, or WhatsApp help families share daily moments, celebrate milestones, and maintain emotional closeness. Even short virtual chats can make every family member feel more included and supported on a regular basis.
Messaging apps
Simple text messages, photos, or voice notes can go a long way in maintaining a sense of connection. Apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or SMS messaging make it easy to share updates or reminders throughout the day. Technology can allow instant connection between family members who are miles away from one another, and our carers can help your elderly parents navigate these easily.
Shared digital spaces
Create shared online albums, group chats, or private social media groups to keep everyone in the loop. These digital spaces allow families to post photos, updates, or encouraging notes, which can help long-distance relatives stay part of everyday life. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are great ways to nurture relationships even when visits are few and far between.
Creative ways to share daily life from afar
Why not try the below creative ways to share your daily life with your family members?
Supporting elderly relatives who live far away
Helping Hands can help you to stay connected with your far-away family at all times.
Our carers care about you, your lifestyle, and your family. Even if you have long-distance relatives, we’ll help you to stay connected by guiding you to navigate technology so you’re able to have phone and video calls, send and receive photos and videos, and keep in touch at all times. We’ll make sure that we keep your family updated on your health and progress, and we can even assist you on visits to see them. We’ll be with you every step of the way, whether that’s travelling by car or plane, and making sure your care needs are fully supported whilst doing so. We won’t miss a beat at providing your care abroad either, and your carer will gladly accompany you overseas so you can visit your loved ones.
How to maintain meaningful interactions over time
Our carers can help you to have meaningul conversations and interactions as much as possible..
Stay consistent
Regular check-ins, even brief ones, show care and commitment. Whether it’s a weekly call, a monthly visit, or a quick message over social media or text, consistency builds trust and helps your long-distance family members to feel valued and remembered.
Listen
Meaningful interactions start with active listening, such as giving your full attention, asking open-ended questions, and commenting and advising where appropriate. This creates space for honest communication and deepens emotional connection within the family.
Show appreciation
Recognise the small moments and efforts that make a difference. A simple thank-you, a handwritten note, or a kind word can go a long way in nurturing relationships between family members that build on respect and gratitude, especially if they live far away.
When in-person visits are possible: making the most of them
Planning ahead, preparing activities and discussions, and staying fully present.
We’ll be there to ensure that your in-person visit to your long-distance family leaves a lasting and positive impression. We’ll encourage you to engage in activities and conversations, get to know any new family members or friends, and support you to express your appreciation and gratitude towards them. When face-to-face visits are possible, our carers will be there to support you on the journey, whilst offering support where needed. For example, our dementia care can help your family members to fully understand your condition in a way that allows you to connect with them in meaningful and rewarding ways.
Exploring elderly and companionship services at Helping Hands
At Helping Hands, we pride ourselves on our ability to be adaptable to your needs. We can offer care as a live-in, visiting or respite basis.
Visiting care
Live-in care
A fully regulated home care provider
Here at Helping Hands, our service is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW)
This means we need to consistently meet high standards and are monitored by our regulators.
