How to Make the Most of Visiting Loved Ones in Senior Living

How Often to Visit Loved Ones in Senior Living

Depending on proximity, lifestyle, and preferences, here are some options for how often you should visit your loved one in senior living:

• Move-in Time: Whether you’re helping your loved one with their move to senior living or transitioning to another level of care, it’s great to be around your loved one during a major life change. Even if you can’t be around for the moving process, visiting your loved one soon after is great for adjustment.
• Community Events: Attending local or senior living community events with your loved one is a great visit to plan for, and it allows you both to gain strong connections with the new friends and confidants they’ve made.
• Holiday Gatherings and Special Occasions: While your loved one is never alone for important milestones or holidays in senior living, it’s wonderful to have you visit and continue or make new traditions together.
• Regular Visits: If you live nearby, having regular visits with your loved one is a joy! From monthly movie nights to weekly dinners, it’s great to have regular contact that works for both your schedules.

What to do During Visits

Everyone has a different idea of a successful connection with their loved ones, but here are some ideas to help you plan your next visit:

• Bring something familiar or new that you can enjoy together, such as your favorite local doughnuts or a new recipe you found
• Choose appropriate activities to do together based on their level of engagement
• Engage in simple physical exercise, like walking while you catch up to stay active
• Get nostalgic and talk about your favorite memories and what the past was like
• Have a meal you either cook together or get from the community’s dining services
• Invite familiar guests they’d love to see, like other friends and family members, and introduce them to new people
• Take advantage of the senior living community’s events and programs together, such as educational lectures, musical guests, and festive parties

Visitation Challenges to Overcome

Be prepared to accept or overcome unique obstacles and differences that can arise when visiting senior loved ones:

• Busy Schedules: Consider how to use your time wisely so you don’t overstay your welcome or choose a time that’s inconvenient for you or your loved one.
• Cognitive or Communication Barriers: Find the best way to meet your loved one where they are, using communication skills that foster an engaged, respectful conversation.
• Distance and Travel: Maybe you and your loved one have a long-distance relationship, so you can always resort to regular virtual visits or phone calls to maintain that connection and stay in touch.
• Health or Mobility Constraints: Consider activities and the timing of your visit so your loved one can participate to the best of their ability without concern over their health

Why Visits From Loved Ones Matter for Seniors

Older adults benefit from their loved ones’ visits for a variety of reasons:

• Encouraged cognitive stimulation through sharing stories and recalling memories
• Enhanced emotional well-being and sense of belonging
• Monitored health to advocate for a vibrant quality of life
• Reduced anxiety, depression, and loneliness
• Support during the transition to senior living and different levels of care

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Life Enriching Communities is committed to equipping you with a plan for the future. Learn more about our senior life plan communities at lec.org.