Putting a loved one in a nursing home can be challenging, especially if you didn’t expect to be in this position. However, nursing homes will offer families the chance to come and visit their loved ones so they can stay in touch.

While you might want to visit every day, that is not realistic for many people who have full time jobs and families to care for. IF you have limited time in your week, here’s a guide to how often you should consider visiting your loved one.

How Often to Visit a Loved One in a Nursing Home

While each person is different, one to two visits per week is usually a good goal for you to reach when it comes to visiting a loved one in a nursing home. This is a good way to stay in touch with your loved one and gives you the ability to notice any changes that they might be going through as they receive care.

Some residents may require more frequent visitation, especially if they have a health condition where they will feel safer seeing friendly faces more often. However, other residents will thrive on seeing their loved ones on a more fixed schedule and prefer their independence.

Why You Should Visit Your Loved One in a Nursing Home

Visiting a loved one can help them feel remembered and cared for as they go through their journey. It also helps residents feel connected to the outside world, since you can bring them the news on the fun happenings in your life.

Many residents enjoy it when their families come and celebrate the holidays with them. Some nursing homes will have a schedule of celebrations open to the families, and encourage people to come visit on those days.

There are also plenty of events that nursing homes will host, from bingo nights to fun summer parties. Reach out to the activities department for a full schedule and ask if there are any fun family events coming up at the nursing home.

How to Find the Best Visitation Times

Finding the best time to visit your loved one can depend on their routine as well as the staff schedule. A staff member can inform you what the schedule is usually like for the residents, as well as when are good windows for you to visit.

You should also consider the needs of your loved one, such as are they a morning person or a night owl? Do they enjoy their independence, or would they enjoy seeing you more often? Are there certain times when staff members are more likely to be able to be available for necessary updates?

How to Make the Most of Your Visit

Making the most of your visit with your loved one is important, since you might have limited time to see them. Here are some ways you can make the most of your time:

• Check in: Ask your loved one about their day, from their friends to the activities they participated in. Ask them how they are adjusting and make sure that they are getting everything that they need.
• Participate in activities: At many nursing homes, the activities can also be attended by families. There may also be some activities, such as bingo nights and holiday festivities, that are advertised for families to come and participate in.
• Quality time: Focus on creating memories with your loved one when you come to visit. Do puzzles, go sit on the patio, or even help in the resident garden if there is one. These shared memories will be carried by your loved one.
• Bring family members: If you have kids, cousins, or other family members that your loved one might want to see, this can be a great way to form a connection to a resident in a nursing home. They will enjoy getting to see people who don’t visit as often.

Stay in Touch Beyond Visitation

Technology has many features that can help you stay in touch with your loved ones. From being able to call them to creating videos of family events, there are so many ways you can touch base with someone at a nursing home.

For a more personal connection, becoming a pen pal to your loved one can be a great way to communicate in a creative way. You can also send your loved one care packages to let them know that they are still remembered.