How to Stay Connected with Family While Living in a Retirement Community

10 October 2025

Growing older brings many changes, and one of the biggest adjustments can be moving into a retirement community. While there are plenty of benefits—less home maintenance, more social opportunities, and a built-in support system—leaving behind the home where you raised your family can feel emotional.

But just because you’ve moved doesn’t mean you have to feel disconnected from your loved ones. Thanks to technology, thoughtful planning, and meaningful traditions, staying connected with family while living in a retirement community is easier than ever.

Let’s dive into some simple, heartfelt ways to maintain close relationships with family, no matter where you live.

1. Embrace Technology to Stay in Touch

We live in a digital age where staying connected has never been easier. If you’re willing to learn a few simple tools, you’ll be able to chat, video call, and share special moments with your family in real time.

Video Calls for Face-to-Face Connection

While phone calls are always great, video calls bring conversations to life. Seeing your loved one’s face can make all the difference.

- FaceTime, Zoom, and Skype: These apps allow easy video chatting on phones, tablets, and computers.
- WhatsApp & Facebook Messenger: Both offer video calling with extra messaging features.

If technology feels overwhelming, ask a family member or community staff for a quick tutorial. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Social Media for Sharing Life Updates

Social media isn’t just for the younger generation! Platforms like Facebook and Instagram help families stay connected through pictures, videos, and updates.

- Follow your grandkids to see their latest adventures.
- Share pictures or updates about your own activities in the community.
- Join private family groups to keep up with important events.

Texting & Messaging Apps for Quick Check-Ins

Sometimes, a simple “Good morning” or “Thinking of you” text can brighten your day. Apps like iMessage, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger make it easy to send quick updates, funny memes, or even voice messages when typing feels like too much effort.

2. Plan Regular Family Visits

Nothing replaces in-person visits, and planning them regularly can give you and your family something to look forward to.

Set a Routine for Visits

Having a set day every week or month for family visits helps ensure they actually happen. Whether it’s a Sunday lunch, a monthly dinner, or a weekly coffee date, consistency is key.

Make Visits Fun & Memorable

Instead of just sitting around and chatting, plan activities that make visits enjoyable:
- Play board games or card games together.
- Go for a walk around the community.
- Cook a favorite family recipe together in the community kitchen.
- Watch a movie or sports game.

If mobility is an issue, consider bringing the fun to you—family members can bring a homemade meal or a new book to read together.

3. Write Letters & Send Cards

There’s something special about receiving a handwritten letter. In a world full of texts and emails, a personal note feels like a little treasure.

Encourage your grandkids to write letters or send postcards, and do the same for them. Make it a habit to send birthday cards, holiday greetings, or even just an “I miss you” note from time to time.

Bonus idea: Keep a box of letters and cards you receive. Over time, it becomes a cherished collection of love and memories.

4. Schedule Virtual Family Gatherings

If your family is spread out across different cities or states, why not host virtual family gatherings?

Ideas for Virtual Get-Togethers

- Family Game Nights: Play online games like trivia, charades, or Pictionary.
- Virtual Dinner Parties: Cook the same meal and eat together over a video call.
- Book Clubs: Choose a book to read and discuss it over a call.
- Story Time for Grandkids: Read bedtime stories over Zoom or record videos for them.

Virtual events make it easier to stay involved in each other’s lives, no matter the distance.

5. Get Involved in Community Events & Invite Family

Many retirement communities offer fun activities like holiday parties, live music, and group outings. Why not invite your family to join?

- If there’s a community event, ask your family to attend with you.
- If your grandkids love arts and crafts, see if they can visit during a crafting session.
- If your retirement community has a family day, encourage your loved ones to participate.

Engaging with your retirement community while including your family bridges the two worlds and deepens your connections.

6. Keep Family Traditions Alive

Just because you've moved doesn’t mean family traditions have to stop. Find ways to continue them in your new home.

Holiday Celebrations

- Host small holiday gatherings in your unit or community space.
- Participate in family traditions over video calls (like decorating cookies or opening gifts).

Sunday Dinners, Even From Afar

If Sunday dinner is a family tradition, keep it alive by hosting a virtual dinner or having your family bring a meal to your community dining area.

Passing Down Family Recipes

Teaching your kids and grandkids how to make your signature dishes is a beautiful way to stay connected. You can even create a family recipe book with handwritten notes and memories.

7. Capture & Share Memories

Taking pictures and videos, then sharing them with family, is a simple way to stay connected.

- Keep a small photo album filled with favorite memories to show visitors.
- Create a "Memory Box" with photos, letters, and keepsakes.
- Ask family members to send printed photos to update your collection each month.

You can also record voice messages or write down family stories to pass on to your grandkids.

8. Prioritize Meaningful Conversations

Staying connected isn’t just about frequent contact—it’s about making your conversations count.

Talk About Meaningful Topics

- Share childhood stories and life lessons—your wisdom is a gift.
- Ask open-ended questions like, “What’s been the best part of your week?”
- Discuss shared interests, whether it’s gardening, reading, or music.

Listen with Intent

Sometimes, the best way to connect is by simply listening. Whether it’s your grandchild talking about school or your adult child venting about work, being present in the conversation strengthens your bond.

9. Join Family Group Chats

Most families have a group text or a private social media chat where they share daily updates, jokes, and pictures. Being part of these chats can help you feel included in the day-to-day moments of your loved ones’ lives.

If you’re not familiar with group messaging, ask a family member to add you—they’ll be thrilled to have you join in!

Final Thoughts

Moving into a retirement community is a significant life transition, but it doesn't mean your family connections have to weaken. By embracing technology, planning regular visits, and staying active in each other's lives through simple traditions and conversations, you can maintain strong, loving relationships with your family.

Remember, staying connected isn’t about the amount of time spent—it’s about the quality of the interactions. Whether through a heartfelt letter, a video call, or a shared meal, the love and effort you put in will always make a difference.

So, take the first step—reach out, schedule that call, and keep those family ties strong.