Ways to keep in touch with elderly parents.?

Question

My parents believe we, my 6 siblings and I do not have enough contact with them. We all work different shifts and days of the week. We all keep in touch via e mail. They do not and will not learn to access email. What are some other ways that we and our children can stay in contact with our parents besides the obvious as in calling them.

Answer 1

I realize everyone is really busy but maybe you should try and call or visit. I bet they would love it more than you even realize.

I find it somewhat sad that parents dedicate a good part of their lives loving, caring, and giving everything to their kids and then the kids grow up and become really distant. I'm not saying this is your situation at all, but just something to think about??

Sorry besides e-mail, phone, or visiting I'm not sure what other ways there are to keep in contact.

Good Luck.

Answer 2

Nothing like a good pop in visit.  

Answer 3

With cell phone you can text message them or try the mail station it hooks into the phone line and it is just e-mails, It cost about a $100  it is real easy to work

Answer 4

Well, you could sit down and write them letters.  Or you could go to their house.  Or you could do the obvious thing and pick up the phone.

Answer 5

Id be SUPER happy to get email from my kid and grand kids.

Answer 6

My mom's like that--is terrified of computers; we've showed her how to use it, we've bought her different user-friendly computers, we've written instructions for her to follow but she's just terrified of computers and admits she won't touch them.  Dad (who is 90 so don't give me that "old folks won't learn the computer" stuff) loves his computer and uses it all the time but doesn't always share stuff with mom.   My sibs all have day jobs and so can call mom all the time.  I work swing shift and my sleep-wake schedule is completely opposite from my mom's so calling her is a project, plus once she gets me on the phone she babbles for 2 hours or longer.  I'd love to visit more frequently but I don't drive and they live 60 miles away with no buses or trains that go there.  So, we got her an HP Presto machine.  It's a one-way machine--you send her emails, the email prints out on her side and she picks up the pages and reads them (like instant snail mail).  It'll even print pictures.  She can't send back to you so if she's got something to say to us, she calls (we all have voicemails up the yin-yang, home #, office #, cells).  And whenever any of us visits her (one of us always visits at least once a week), we check her machine to make sure it's got enough paper and toner, replace what needs replacing so she won't run out and the machine won't stop working.  It seems to be working well.  Of course the exchange is slow (I send email, have to wait til she reads the printout and gets around to responding) but at least it is an exchange.  We programmed the machine to do an early morning printout and an evening printout (you can let it print whenever an email arrives but mom doesn't want the machine making noise if when they normally sleep).  We've also programmed it to only certain senders' email addresses are allowed to go through so junk mail can't get through and anyone mom would rather make up her own mind when she wants to talk to them (via phone) can't inundate her with emails.  I do make a point of clearing my calendar at least every 2 weeks (usually more often though) so I can give her a call on my day off when I know she'll probably be awake and at home.  I just email dad anytime (and then get ignored, dad only responds to emails when we say something that irks him).

Answer 7

If there are 7 of you, then set up a schedule of everyone calling or sending a card or letter every other day or so. You would only be sending a card once every two weeks or calling once every two weeks.

If they don't like email, then don't do email.

By alternating the duties, you will not have to think of it as much, thus, no guilt. Plus, they'll be getting all the attention they need. Throw in visits from time to time and they should be happy.

Answer 8

start sending pictures of the kids only as eMail attachments, to will learn how to access their eMail real quick.

you can also try to explain to them how expensive phone calls are compared to eMail

Answer 9

Next time you visit with them, sit down at the computer and walk them though how to access e-mail.  A computer can be intimidating to an older person the first time around.  Make them comfortable using it and they will learn to communicate via e-mail. Also, you and your siblings should let them know how much you appreciate them.  Those few words last a long time and they will remember them like it was yesterday that you said them.  Lastly, make more time to see them.  Remember, they are not going to be around forever, so enjoy your time with them while you can.  Good luck!

Answer 10

Call weekly

Answer 11

Send a letter, post card, note cards with envelope or greeting card.

We old folks still enjoy receiving a letter in the mail.

You could also copy some of your emails with other family members information and send them with a note.

DeeJay.

Answer 12

Be sure to find the ways. I am living proof that if you do not you will live with many regrets.  Life is short.  Make the time to go visit to bring them to your home!

Answer 13

I call my dad twice a week, but I know he also enjoys the funny cards I often send. Or sometimes it's just a silly note. Sometimes I'll include pictures we've taken or an article from our local paper that he might enjoy. And the one thing I send that really shows I"m thinking of him  is Hershey's chocolate!

What do my husband and I like from our own sons and their families? Well, the answer is about the same. Notes and candid family photos are always appreciated, but our favorite thing is to open an envelope and find it filled with drawings and or schoolwork from the grandchildren. It's a way of sharing what the kids are up to and what they enjoy.

Answer 14

Just do the obvious, as in calling them.  Or you could visit.  Elderly parents aren't likely to pick up computer skills this late in the game.  Deal with it, and interact with them on their level.