Having one or both parents living in a senior living community can be both comforting and stressful. While you’re grateful for the fact that your loved one is receiving top-notch supportive care, you still want to be there for them when they need you. Even if your senior loved one is receiving round-the-clock care at a senior living community, there are several benefits to remaining close by. Brightwater Senior Living has compiled a list of reasons why staying close to your senior parents can be a net positive for both parties.

Providing Comfort and Companionship is Easier

Your senior parents may have each other, a team of friendly and supportive staff, and a group of acquaintances at their senior living community, but nothing beats a visit from you. Even if your parent doesn’t tell you that they appreciate your company, they definitely do. Living nearby makes it easier to check in with your parents regularly, drop by for surprise visits every once in a while, or comfort them in person on down days. You might still be able to visit your parents weekly when you live far away, but the strain of the time and money spent to do so may take its toll on you.

You Can Be There During Health Scares

Even if your parent generally stays in good health, no one wants to receive the news that their loved one has suffered a fall or has come down with an illness. When you live far enough away from your parents that visiting them requires a lengthy drive, shifting around plans, and possibly spending money, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to quickly make it to your loved one’s side when they suffer an unexpected injury or health scare. Your parent will want you there as badly as you’ll want to be there, and you don’t want to be hundreds of miles away.

You Are Better Equipped to Notice Critical Changes

No one knows your parent like you do. Older adults are often reluctant to tell anyone when they’re feeling down, lonely, or under the weather. When your main form of contact with your loved one is phone or video calls, you might not notice anything out of the ordinary. However, when you regularly see your parent in person, you’ll be able to tell when they aren’t their usual self. Some warning signs of depression in older adults include difficulty concentrating, increased anger or irritability, and changes in energy level. If you notice any of these warning signs, getting your parent help right away can make a real difference.

Making the decision to move closer to your aging parents can be a tough one. We hope this list was able to give you a good idea of some of the benefits of living close to your senior parents. For more information and guidance, visit Brightwater’s blog.