short-term rehab/ sub-acute
long-term care
respite
hospice
For residents of long term care facilities, visits from family and friends are more than just appreciated, they are important for their emotional well-being. In addition to providing an opportunity to stay in touch with loved ones, relive memories, share experiences, and enjoy quality time together, personal visits help to reassure them that they remain an important part of your life.
Planning your visit. When planning to visit someone in a nursing facility, it is always best to let them know you are coming. Although spontaneous visits are better than no visits at all, keep in mind that most people would prefer knowing ahead of time when to expect a visitor. That way they can anticipate your arrival, be rested and ready, and not have to adjust previously scheduled activities or therapies to accommodate the visit.
During your Visit . No matter what you have planned, or how little time you have to spend, it is important that you stay focused on the person you are visiting. Chances re your visit is just one stop in a busy day, so it is easy to be distracted...to think about where you were last, what you will be doing next, or just how hectic your daily routine is. Try to remember that your words and body language can signal even the most unresponsive senior that your attention is elsewhere. Staying focused and attentive demonstrates that you value your time together and that yo are not visiting simply out of a sense of duty.
Simple Gifts. From time to time and on special occasions, a gift will be appreciated and can also serve as a pleasant reminder of your visit after you leave. However, since space is usually limited in a long-term care facility, a good rule of thumb is to keep your gifts small, simple, and personal. Here are a few suggestions:
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A card you or another family member make yourself
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Flowers or a plant
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A book or magazine subscription
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Stationery and stamps
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Personal care items such as soap or body lotion
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Non-perishable food items (check with staff first)
Ending your Visit.
Ending a visit is sometimes difficult, especially if you and there person you are visiting do not see each other very often. Here are some ways to soften the leave-taking process:
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Schedule another visit (Be careful not to make plans you will not be able to keep, or will likely have to cancel.)
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Promise to write or telephone more often
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If the resident has access to a computer, start an email correspondence.
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Do not leave abruptly. Let the resident know what time you will need to leave and give a "ten minute warning" so that he or she can prepare for your departure.
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Focusing on upcoming activities or events a the facility is another way to ease the transition of parting.
Dealing with Upsetting Situations. There is nothing like prolonged illness, loss of independence or persistent discomfort to spark powerful emotions, especially among family members. Even a pleasant visit can suddenly deteriorate when long-standing unresolved issues or recent disagreements trigger feelings of anger, frustration, sadness, fear, or loneliness. Residents who are taking medication or dealing with fatigue, pain or sleeplessness may also be more prone to erratic behavior. As a result, visitors must be prepared to respond with kindness and patience putting negative feelings aside. Try our best to resolve differences or simply "agree to disagree," before the end do of your visit, so as not to cause bad feelings to linger.
If you continue to have trouble dealing with strong emotions or difficult behavior, do not try to handle it alone. Talk to a social worker or nursing supervisor at the facility.
For more information on visiting, please ask for our pamphlet on visiting someone in a nursing facility.
in a Nursing Facility
Ten Ideas for Creating a Memorable Visit
1. Share in a scheduled activity or day trip.
2. Spend time reading out loud or listening to music.
3. Work on a family photo album.
4. Give the resident a manicure or help with hair care.
5. Share a meal together in the dining room or in the resident's room.
6. Help organize personal items or clean out a closet.
7. Go for a stroll outside if the weather permits, or do a jigsaw puzzle at a table in the courtyard.
8. Bring a younger family member or a pet (but first check with the staff).
9. Plan to celebrate a birthday or other special occasion (confirm availability of a room large enough for a family gathering).
10. Bring an old friend who otherwise would not be able to visit.
