Planning to visit your aging parent or elderly loved one in Nursing Home for seniors or Skilled Nursing facility? Human interaction is very important for seniors who are in a Nursing Home or Skilled Nursing facility. Continuous communication makes the transition to nursing homes a lot easier as it assures seniors that their family and friends have not abandoned them.
In this Nursing Home Article:
Planning A Visit To A Nursing Home
When To Visit Your Loved One in A Nursing Home
Tips When Visiting Seniors In A Nursing Home
Planning A Visit To A Nursing Home
When visiting your loved ones in a Nursing home facility, be sure to be prepared mentally and emotionally. For some visitors, it is understandable that the nursing home atmosphere may be depressing because of the sight of several seniors who have suffered from different forms of disabilities.
Some of the nursing home residents may look confused, depressed or disoriented, but don’t judge them by their physical appearance. Some of the seniors in nursing homes may look disoriented when you see them but may be energetic on different days.
When Should You Visit Your Elderly Loved One in A Nursing Home?
Most facilities have very flexible visiting hours during the day. Before planning to visit your elderly loved one in a nursing home or skilled nursing facility, be sure to call the nursing facility to ask about the visiting hours.
It will also be good to find out the schedule of your loved one on the day you plan to visit to make sure you don’t interrupt any scheduled events, mealtime and senior activities. Most nursing homes encourage families to join their loved ones during mealtime. If you plan to join your elderly loved one, call the nursing home to make arrangements. An additional fee may be charged for your meal.
Things to Remember When Visiting Seniors in A Nursing Home:
1. Keep your promises. If you promise to visit your loved one, make sure you do, otherwise the nursing home resident will be disappointed. If you need to reschedule your visit, be sure to call the nursing home.
2. Knock before you enter the room. Your aging loved one’s room in a nursing home is considered his or her individual home. It is important that you respect their privacy and living space. Be sure to knock and ask permission before you enter. If the nursing home resident is unable to respond, be sure to announce your name before you open the door.
3. Be affectionate. Physical contact is important to seniors in nursing homes. Hug, kiss or hold the hand of your aging relative, if possible to let them know and feel that you love them and that they are not forgotten.
4. Be a good listener. When visiting your aging loved one in a nursing home, it is important that you listen to him or her attentively. Let your loved one do the talking so he or she does not feel rush when sharing their stories and feelings. Try not to dominate the conversation. Be a good listener, even if you’ve heard the story or topic several times. Listening attentively to your aging loved one’s story lets him or her enjoy the moment with you.
5. Bond with your elderly loved one. You want to make your aging parent or relative happy and feel loved. But what you can you do together during your visit to the nursing home? Think of things that you used to do together like playing board games, watching movies, singing or doing arts and crafts. If in case you cannot think of any activities, you can always contact the nursing home’s activity director for ideas and suggestions for seniors. Remember, doing things together will make your visit fun and memorable!
6. Bring family pictures and videos. If you have recent family pictures or videos, be sure to bring it. This will definitely put a smile on your aging loved one’s face. Keeping the nursing home resident up to date about family events and activities they’ve missed will make your elderly loved one happy.
7. Bring the family. If you have children or grandchildren bring them when you go to the nursing home to encourage a relationship between the kids and your elderly loved one. Kids are so much fun, they will definitely help brighten up your aging loved one’s day!
8. Plan a day trip. If you plan to take your seniors or elderly loved one out of the nursing home facility, be sure to call the nursing home in advance. Talk to your aging parent or relative about it to find out how he or she feels about your plan. You will also have to talk to the nursing home staff or administrator to make special arrangements for medicines, special equipment or other things that your aging loved one might need.
9. Thank the caregivers. Take time to talk to the caregivers and staff members in the nursing home. Be sure to thank them and show your appreciation for taking care of your aging relative. Do not hesitate to compliment the caregiver for a job well done with the seniors.
10. Enjoy your time and do not rush. Spending quality time with your elderly loved one in the nursing home is something that will forever be cherished by the nursing home resident so make it a memorable one.
Related Senior Care Articles:
- Choosing The Right Senior Care Facility
- Rights of Nursing Home Residents
- How To Deal with Senior Care Facility Issues
Copyright © 2018 SeniorCareHomes.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Catharine “Kate” is a Certified Administrator for Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) and an Expert Senior Care Advisor. Kate’s grandmother battled Alzheimer’s Disease and Kate personally understands what millions of families are going through. Kate and her team are very passionate in empowering Seniors and their families by providing them with the Best Available Senior Care Options based on Senior’s care needs, preferred location and family’s budget.
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