Helping Your Loved One Adjust to Nursing Home Living – Tip #8

Plan brief but frequent visits as opposed to a day long marathon that may tire your loved one. Plan an activity or take something to do. Do their nails, have a snack, read a book or listen to a special piece of music. Most facilities have a patio which would allow for an outside visit. Possibly plan a special dinner at the facility or celebrate your loved one’s birthday by providing a cake to share with the other residents and the staff. When possible plan an outing such as a short shopping trip or a restaurant lunch. Activities like these add a warm touch to your loved one’s new schedule. Be sure to be aware of the nursing home activity schedule or calendar so that you can share events that are held there. Participation with other residents and their families may create a greater sense of the larger family with whom your loved one now interacts. Even if your loved one can’t go on out of facility outings or participate in activities, they will benefit greatly by your presence. The more time you spend with your family member, the more familiar you will be with the facilities routine, and the staff interaction with your loved one and other residents. This may also allow you to spot potential problems or concerns your loved one may encounter.