Visits from family and friends are always appreciated by an elderly
person living in a nursing home. They provide an opportunity to stay
in touch, to express emotions, to share experiences, and to simply enjoy
time together.
The transition into a nursing home can be difficult - especially for
the person making the move. Spending time together helps reassure the
person you are visiting that he or she is still an important family
member or friend. Following are guidelines for visiting a family member
or friend in a nursing home, provided by the healthcare professionals
at the Saint Barnabas Health Care System Nursing and Rehabilitation
Centers.
While spur of the moment visits are better than none at all, it is
suggested to plan ahead. Most elderly people prefer knowing ahead of
time when to expect a visitor. This way they can look forward to the
visit with excitement. They will be rested and ready, with no other
conflicting visits, activities, or therapy appointments scheduled.
To enhance the quality of the time you spend together, you should have
a clear understanding of why and how your visit will benefit the resident,
as well as yourself. Think about the person’s needs and interests,
and what he or she will appreciate most in a visit.
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- Having someone to talk with?
- Discussing what’s happening in the family,
community, or world?
- Being asked for an opinion or advice?
- Reading or listening to music?
- Sharing an activity or meal?
- Keeping up past relationships?
- Reminiscing?
- Being hugged?
It is important to be entirely focused on your visit and the person
you are with. Being attentive shows that you are enjoying the visit
and value this person.
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While spending time together is reason enough to visit, here are some
other suggestions for enjoyable visits:
- Participate together in a scheduled activity
or day trip.
- Spend time reading out loud to an elderly person
or listening to music together.
- Work together on a family album.
- Show a homemade family videotape.
- Give the person a manicure or help with hair
care.
- Share a meal together in the facility’s
dining room or the person’s room.
- Help in arranging or cleaning out drawers or
closets.
- Go for a walk outside, or sit out on the patio
or in the courtyard.
- Bring a younger family member along on the
visit.
- Celebrate birthdays or other special occasions.
- Bring an old friend who wouldn’t be able
to visit otherwise.
- Involve the person in past hobbies.
Ending the visit can be difficult. Many family members
find that using the first few minutes of a visit to plan the next one
is a good way to ease the transition of parting. The nursing home staff
can also give you additional suggestions or assist you if saying good-bye
becomes a problem.
For information about any of the Saint Barnabas Health Care System
Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers, call 1-888-SBHS-123.
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