Why It’s Important to Visit Your Elderly Relatives Frequently
It may be difficult to see your relatives' age, and the choice to put them in a care home may be one of the hardest things we manage in our adult lives. Sometimes, it can be challenging to see our loved ones in a declining state, or the demands of life make it difficult to prioritize time to see them. Yet, visiting an aging parent or relative is very important for their overall mood and well-being.
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Benefits of Frequent Visits
Perhaps one of the most obvious—and important—reasons to visit the older adult is to grow and maintain the bond between you. The time you spend together during these vulnerable and perhaps difficult years can nurture an emotional connection that can resonate in various parts of both of your lives.
Frequent visits allow you to grow new memories, let your loved ones share their stories, and help you avoid future guilt of not spending time with them when you have the chance. They also provide the perfect opportunity to show your aging parent or relative they are remembered.
Many seniors in long-term living facilities suffer from loneliness, which can harm their mental and physical well-being. Spending time with them can significantly boost their mood, leading to better health outcomes and state of mind. During visits at the beginning of their stay, it might be beneficial to encourage them to connect with other residents. This process could help with the transition period and encourage your loved one to build community within the facility.
Finally, regular visits to your parents or relatives in a nursing home can help you monitor any changes in their health or cognitive function. It also helps create peace of mind that they are receiving a high level of care and that there are no potential threats to their safety. While nursing home abuse and neglect is rare, it is a real issue that often goes underreported.
Visiting Loved Ones in a Nursing Home
Visting your aging parent or relative may be suitable for their well-being unless your presence creates drama, additional stress, or other negative consequences. Nursing homes are unique places and require thoughtful management.
Tips for a Successful Visit
When visiting loved ones in a nursing home, plan your visit beforehand. Some facilities have strict visitation hours. It’s a good idea to call the facility in advance to check for any restrictions or guidelines that may have been put in place. Planning ahead means the visit can be about spending time together—not sorting out logistics.
Be patient when visiting the aging adult in your life, especially if they are struggling with memory or cognitive tasks. Don't take it personally if they have trouble remembering you or details about your life. Focus instead on active listening and engaging in conversation. Planning activities together, such as playing games or going through old photos, is a good way to engage with them during a visit.
On your visit, treat nursing home staff and personnel with respect. They provide daily care to your loved ones—building a good relationship with them is important. Listen to any guidelines or regulations they may need to enforce.
What Not To Do
While it’s vital to visit aging parents or relatives in the nursing home, there are certain behaviors you should abstain from. Keep the following in mind:
- Don’t use rude or inappropriate language
- Ask for permission before taking photos or videos
- Don’t bring outside food or drinks without permission
- Don’t speak loudly or disruptively unless there is an emergency
- Don’t ignore staff
What To Do If You Notice Something Wrong on a Visit
While most nursing homes pride themselves on high standards of care, nursing home abuse and neglect do happen. Facilities that are understaffed or undertrained nurses, or that don’t focus on detailed care plans may have conditions that lead to unintentional elder abuse. During your visit, pay attention to any possible signs of abuse or neglect.
Indications that abuse or neglect is happening in a nursing home environment include unexplained injuries, such as bruises, cuts, scrapes or broken bones; bed sores or sepsis; sudden weight loss or signs of malnutrition; and extreme changes in mood or behavior from your loved one.
If you suspect abuse, be sure to carefully document any signs or symptoms. Act rapidly by reporting any strange occurrences to the facility’s administration. If no action is taken, consider contacting your local ombudsman. In cases of confirmed abuse, consider contacting a local lawyer to find out your options. Many lawyers specialize in cases of nursing home abuse.
Conclusion
Frequent visits to your aging parents or relatives are good for them and good for you. These moments allow you to nourish your bond with them, as well as check on their overall well-being. Seeing them often shows that you value and cherish them, even as they go through what can sometimes be intense life changes.
