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Ten Ways to Make the Most of Your Adult Care Resident Visit
- Set up a regular visiting pattern. It provides a sense of continuity in the timeless world of the care facility.
- Set up a specific time. This gives your loved one a chance to look forward to and prepare for the visit.
- Be observant. You'll have a lot to keep track of -- your loved one's health and state of mind, and also what's going on at the facility. Do a visual medical checkup of your loved one's health. If you notice any abnormal behavior or changes, notify the nurse or physician.
- Take your loved one out of the room. If you can get him or her into and out of a car, short excursions are great for a resident's state of mind. Malls make excellent destinations because there's a great deal of activity and a number of places to rest. If you can't manage an excursion, try to visit with your parent in the designated visiting room, which is set up to be warmer and more like a living room.
- Be flexible. Not every visit will be pleasant. Your loved one may be angry, hostile, or sullen, and there may be nothing you can do about it right away. Don't be discouraged. Many residents feel this way at times. If you continue to visit, at least your loved one won't feel abandoned.
- Plan something different. Some care facilities allow the family pet to visit with you. Check to see if this is possible and whether or not the pet is allowed inside the building.
- Bring young children. Most residents like to have their grandchildren or young nieces or nephews visit. Family is a great source of pride.
- Identify yourself. If your parent sometimes gets confused, it's a good idea to introduce yourself when you first arrive by saying something like, "Hi, Mom, it's me, Bart." If your parent does not see well, it's even more important to say who you are. During your visit, sit close to your parent or loved one and touch him or her as often as possible. Residents report that the most rewarding visits are those that include a lot of touching. It relieves feelings of isolation, even for residents who don't appear to be affected.
- Get to know the staff. They are the people who have the most contact with your loved one. They're usually underpaid and often underappreciated, so praise and thanks will go a long way in making your loved one's daily life a little better.
- Talk with the staff about your loved one's medical condition. Be aware of any progress, changes or set-backs. Try to speak with different people - the administrator, the social worker, head nurse, activities director, etc.
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Last updated: August 16, 1999
Please return to https://www.alz-nova.org or call toll-free (866) 259-0042 or (703) 359-4440 for more information about services in Northern Virginia.
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