Isolation is one of the biggest challenges for seniors.
This issue is more noticeable as seniors approach problems with transportation, cognitive issues, and a general decrease in independence.
The above challenges speak to the importance of assisted living communities. These communities help seniors maintain independence while improving the cognitive skills necessary for socializing, creative thought, and problem-solving skills.
An important element tying these issues together is communication. Seniors must be able to communicate effectively with family and staff to retain independence and improve well-being.
Video calling apps for senior communication are valuable tools for approaching these challenges.
Learn how assisted living communities, seniors, and families leverage user-friendly calling apps for positive outcomes.
The Benefits of Communication for Seniors
The studies are clear: the mental (and physical) benefits of effective communication for seniors are paramount.
For starters, consistent and engaging communication builds trust with care providers and assisted living managers. The same rule applies to active listening. Like any other age group, seniors must be able to vocalize their thoughts and have them heard.
Regular communication with family members and loved ones improves happiness and quality of life. This point is crucial for decreasing senior depression.
Effective communication with the above parties makes it easier for seniors to socialize with fellow residents and build strong bonds.
The Advantages of Video Chat for Seniors
The best video-calling apps are designed to facilitate healthy interactions with these parties regardless of location.
Managers can use video calling within the community to streamline daily check-ins with residents. Seniors can also call and leave messages for managers regarding meal plans, family visits, medication management, and a host of other issues.
Face-to-face interaction feels more personal than phone calls or email, even if it’s through video. It’s easier to read the other person’s emotions. Emotional connection can get lost in translation over email and even on the phone.
These tools are even better for communicating with family in town or out of state.
Families can stay connected easily through these apps:
- FaceTime
- Google Meet (via Gmail)
- Skype
- Zoom
- Facebook Messenger
Even better, you can use these apps for free, saving you money on long-distance calling. Social media apps also allow you to leave video messages instead of typical voicemail messages.
Do you have a large family?
You can video chat with multiple family members at once through these apps. When multiple people log on, the app will create a grid comprised of each person’s video chat window. This is an excellent way to chat with long-distance family during the holidays when everyone is gathered at once.
Continue Your Education With Video Calling
Video conferencing apps also help online learning institutions connect with seniors to further their education. Seniors can gain new skills and passions while living in retirement communities.
Taking college classes is an excellent way to keep the brain sharp and retain valuable reasoning skills. Seniors who are natural creatives can take drawing, painting, and sculpture classes to nurture their passions. Seniors also have a chance to learn new skills, investing their time into an exciting new topic or trade.
Next to what’s offered through the Discovery Village at Deerwood, residents can take whatever classes they want online. The community has access to fast, reliable wireless internet. All you need is a computer and you can take online courses from the comfort of your room.
All online classes use some form of video conferencing. Residents can watch lectures live through video webinars. Students register for these webinars and use embedded chat features to ask professors questions and interact with fellow students in the class.
Instructors may also use video apps to conduct group discussions and allow students to present projects to the class. Participants can share their screens to show PowerPoint slide presentations to the class.
Participants are asked to find a quiet area with plenty of light before using video conferencing apps. A high-speed internet connection also prevents the video quality from buffering and freezing during interactions.
Supplement Senior Therapy With Video Apps
Assisted living communities have care managers who help residents schedule appointments with therapists, counselors, and other mental health professionals. They also schedule senior transportation to these sessions.
Internet-savvy seniors may also supplement their therapy sessions with online therapeutic care. These types of services use video calling to foster stronger connections between clients and therapists. Seniors can also book group therapy sessions, like art therapy, to engage with like-minded people looking for healing through art and interaction.
Similar to online classes, these video chat sessions typically have an administrator or host who starts, guides conversions, and ends sessions on time. During group sessions, a host will mute the microphones of other attendees when someone is speaking and will “pass the mic” accordingly. Attendees can click a “raised hand” button when they want to participate.
Schedule Video Calling Apps for Senior Communication
Assisted living communities can make the most of these apps by scheduling regular video chats. Organize a set time that works for all parties involved. Weekends are a good time to get seniors and family members on a video call.
Consistent communication with family helps seniors feel more supported, increasing their living satisfaction, according to studies. Improvement in self-esteem and decision-making has also been observed in these studies.
The above points reiterate the importance of working with an assisted living community that understands the mental health needs of seniors. Video calling apps supplement customized living plans for residents complete with daily meal services, social activities, and regular outings.
Supplement Your Experience With Video Apps
Video calling apps for senior communication are proving to boost the quality of life among assisted community residents. The staff of the Discovery Village at Deerwood has extensive knowledge of the latest communication tools (and strategies) for seniors.
We’re committed to quality senior living for Jacksonville residents and surrounding areas.
Book a tour of our village to see our design and dedication in action.
We’re also available to answer your questions about services, leasing, management, and more.
