As you settle your loved one into their new home in assisted living, it’s normal to wonder about your future visits. Will they be too frequent or not frequent enough?
Your visiting frequency should be based on your schedule, availability, and your loved one’s needs. Some loved ones require weekly visits, while others thrive with visits once or twice a month. Your loved one’s needs and preferences are unique, and over time, you’ll develop a visiting pattern that works best for everyone.
Factors That Influence How Often You Should Visit
Guiding factors can help you and your loved one determine a visiting plan that suits everyone.
Proximity
One of the most significant factors that influence how often to visit is the proximity of the community. If your loved one is nearby, it may be easier to visit more frequently. However, if their new home is far away, it may be more challenging to visit as often.
In such cases, you may need to make arrangements to travel, which could require more time and resources.
Loved One’s Preference
While you may want to visit every day, your loved one may prefer to have more personal space. It’s essential to respect their wishes and see them as often as they want you to. It’s also essential to communicate openly with your loved one and their caregivers so you’re aware of any changes in their preferences.
Loved One’s Health
If they’re dealing with serious health issues, they may require more attention and, therefore, more visits. On the other hand, if your loved one is relatively healthy, they may not need as frequent visits.
It’s essential to stay in touch with their medical provider and caregivers to keep you aware of any changes in care or health that could impact your visitation schedule.
Your Own Well-Being
Visiting a loved one in senior living can be emotionally taxing, especially if you’re dealing with your own health issues or stress. It’s essential to consider your own well-being when determining how often to visit.
If visiting multiple times a week is too difficult, it’s okay to scale back and find a schedule that works for you. Caregiver burnout is a real issue and can impact your ability to provide support for your loved one.
Other Forms of Communication
With today’s technology, staying connected with your loved one is easier than ever, even if you can’t physically be there. Video calls, phone calls, and text communication can be as meaningful as in-person visits and can be a valuable way to supplement and augment your visits.
Why It’s Important to Visit Your Loved One in Senior Living
When a parent or loved one moves to assisted living, it can be an emotionally tough decision for the whole family. It is already a vulnerable situation for seniors, and the feeling of distance can intensify it.
To cope with this, frequent visits from family members can help improve their emotional well-being and health monitoring and foster communication with staff.
Emotional Wellness
Many seniors experience feelings of isolation and loneliness. The sense of separation from loved ones can lead to depression or worsen pre-existing cognitive problems.
Regular visits from family members and loved ones can lower the negative impact of isolation and encourage emotional stability. Even short visits can brighten their day and positively impact their overall mental health.
Communication with Staff
Visiting your loved one allows you to communicate with staff and discuss their health status and care plan. While they may have nursing assistants and caregivers, your presence can make a significant difference in monitoring their care and advocating for their needs.
It also allows you to create a rapport with the staff involved in your loved one’s care. You can ask questions, discuss concerns, and share insights on your loved one’s history, likes, and dislikes. In the case of any medical emergencies, being informed and present can help your loved one receive proper medical attention and support.
Health Monitoring
The aging process involves physical complications that require close monitoring for any signs of decline. Seniors may have underlying health conditions that need attention and monitoring, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or cardiac disorders.
Family members visiting regularly can help monitor these concerns, ensuring that they don’t duplicate medications, monitor response to medication adjustments, and keep track of future appointments and tests. The visits can also involve checking for:
- Signs of weight fluctuations
- Breathing problems
- Balance issues
- Depression
- Mobility issues
- Changes in cognitive function
Early detection can help address any potential risks early on before they worsen.
Sharing Important Life Events
Keeping seniors connected to family members and staying up-to-date on significant happenings can help foster a positive outlook and a sense of belonging.
Sharing news about the latest developments in your life can foster a feeling of inclusion and create moments your loved one can hold on to. Bring photographs, crafts, cards, and other meaningful mementos that might help stimulate a connection.
Choose Bridge Senior Living for Your Loved One’s New Home
Moving your loved one into senior living can be overwhelming, but you can still maintain joyful visits in their new home. Provide your loved one with an enriching environment full of activities, a built-in community, and personalized care for enhanced well-being in their golden years.
Schedule a visit to Heritage Place Senior Living for a community tour and choose a lifestyle of ease and supportive care for your loved one.
