The Do’s and Don’ts of Visiting a Loved One in a Residential Care Home
There’s no set rule for how often you should visit a loved one in a care home. The right frequency depends on your loved one’s preferences, availability and the care home’s guidelines. What’s most important is maintaining a meaningful connection and being flexible as needs and circumstances change.
One of the first questions after moving a relative into a care home is, “How often should we visit?” Unfortunately, there’s no definitive answer. However, there are some do’s and don’ts for visitations that family and friends can take note of.
Read on as we guide you through care home visitation etiquette, helping you make the most of every visit.
How often can you visit a loved one in a care home?
Most care homes offer flexible visiting hours, allowing family members to visit regularly, often daily. It’s best to check with the specific care home for their guidelines. Ask and observe how your loved one is adjusting – some residents may need frequent visits, while others might want more space as they settle in. Connecting with the care home staff can help you determine the best visiting schedule that keeps your loved one comfortable and supported.
The Do’s of Visiting a Loved One in a Care Home
When going to see a family member in a care home, there are a few essential practices to keep in mind to ensure the visit is a positive and enjoyable one:
Respect their routine
Coordinate your visits around your loved one’s daily schedule to ensure you don’t interrupt important activities or rest times.
Bring engaging activities
Bring a favourite book, game or movie to share. Doing something together can make the visit more interactive and enjoyable.
Be patient and understanding
Your loved one may have good and bad days. Approach each visit with patience, especially if they are dealing with memory or cognitive challenges.
Actively listen
Allow your loved one to express themselves and share their thoughts. Sometimes, just being there to hear their feelings is the most meaningful part of the visit.
The Don’ts of Visiting a Loved One in a Care Home
A few things to avoid when visiting a loved one in a care home to ensure your visit is positive and stress-free:
Don’t overstay your welcome
Keep visits to a reasonable length to avoid tiring your loved one. Short, regular visits can be more beneficial than long, exhausting ones. However, this depends on the resident and what they prefer.
Don’t bring up stressful topics
Avoid discussing issues that might cause worry or upset. Focus on positive, uplifting conversations instead.
Don’t make promises you can’t keep
Be careful about making commitments you may not be able to fulfil, as this can lead to disappointment.
Don’t ignore their cues
Pay attention to signs that your relative may need a break or feel tired. Respect their need for rest if necessary.
Making the Most of Your Visits
To ensure that your visits are meaningful and beneficial, focus on quality and consistency rather than length or frequency.
Consistency Matters
Regular, shorter visits build a routine your loved one can look forward to, creating a sense of stability and comfort.
Quality Over Quantity
Make each visit count by focusing on activities or conversations that genuinely engage your loved one. Even a brief, heartfelt interaction can have a significant positive impact. For example, share a meal, look through photos, read a book to them and listen to music.
Involve Other Family Members
Organise times with other relatives to ensure your loved one has a steady stream of visitors. Different perspectives and interactions can be refreshing and comforting.
Use Technology
When in-person visits aren’t possible, use phone calls, video chats or send letters to stay connected. These small gestures can make a big difference in maintaining your relationship.
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What are the Challenges When Visiting a Care Home
Visiting your beloved family member in a Residential Care Home isn’t always straightforward and some challenges can come up. Here are some common issues:
When Visits Are Difficult for the Resident
If your loved one finds visits emotionally challenging or even confusing, try shortening the duration or changing the focus of your visits. Sometimes, just sitting with them quietly or engaging in a calming activity like listening to music can be less overwhelming.
Managing Guilt or Frustration
It’s natural to feel guilty if you can’t visit as often as you’d like. And if the visit doesn’t go as planned, it can leave you feeling frustrated. Remember that consistency and effort matter more than perfection. Focus on how your presence positively impacts your relative, even if visits are only sometimes ideal.
Handling Restricted Visiting Times
If the care home has limited visiting hours, plan to make the most of your time. You can also ask the staff for special arrangements, such as scheduling visits during less busy times for more privacy or flexibility.
The Importance of Meaningful Visits
So, how often can you visit a loved one in a care home? Remember, it’s not about how often or how long you visit, but the quality of the time you spend together.
By being mindful and adaptable, you can help ensure your loved one feels cared for, valued and always connected, making their care home experience as positive as possible.
