staying connected with a parent in a care home
Moving into a care home is a big change, for your parent and for you. Here are gentle ways to keep them feeling loved and part of the family, in between visits.
Visit in a way that works for both of you
Shorter, regular visits at a consistent time are often easier and more reassuring than occasional long ones. Bringing a familiar object, a favourite snack or a few photographs can give each visit a warm, familiar anchor.
Work with the care team
The staff are your allies. Ask about your parent's routine and the best times to call, tell them what your loved one enjoys, and let them know the little things that comfort or unsettle them. Good homes welcome family involvement.
Keep the everyday flowing to them
Feeling part of ordinary family life matters as much as the big occasions. A steady trickle of photos, small updates and news from the grandchildren helps your parent feel remembered and included, not set apart.
Choose technology the home can support easily
Video calls and photo sharing are wonderful for staying close, but only when they are genuinely simple, both for your parent and for busy staff. Anything with apps, logins or fiddly setup tends to sit unused. nellie works over the care home's WiFi and needs nothing from your loved one: photos, messages and reminders you send from your phone simply appear on a calm screen, and staff can help at a glance if needed. It is also designed with dementia in mind.
When you can't visit as often as you'd like
Distance, work and life can make regular visits hard, and the guilt that brings is very common. Small, steady contact, a daily photo, a quick note, a familiar face on the screen, keeps the bond strong even when you can't be there in person.
register your interest in nellie
a simple tablet that keeps family close, launching soon.