If you have a loved one who has recently moved into a nursing home or other form of senior housing, there's a good chance you're looking forward to visiting him or her in the near future. Before you decide to just drop in, however, there are some important etiquette guidelines you'll want to keep in mind—not just this time, but every time you visit.
Ask Permission to Visit
First of all, never assume that your loved one will be thrilled about a "surprise" visit. Many seniors appreciate their privacy and like to have an idea of what's planned for their days. Therefore, it's always a good idea to call your loved one and ask if they're okay with you visiting before you decide to do so.
Be Mindful of What You Bring
Keep in mind that the senior care facility in which your loved one is staying may have specific guidelines as to what kinds of food and beverages you can bring. Specifically, your loved one may be on a specific diet that you could unknowingly be interfering with by bringing a dish or beverage from home. What you may think of as a thoughtful gesture may not be good for your loved one.
Limit the Number of Visitors
While it may be tempting to bring the entire family with you to visit your loved one, it's best to limit the number of visitors. Some senior care facilities may even have rules in place regarding how many visitors can be in the room at one time. Not to mention, having too many visitors can be stressful and overwhelming to some. Always tell your loved one ahead of time who would like to come and make sure he or she is comfortable with seeing that many people.
Respect Posted Visiting Hours
Finally, remember that most senior care facilities have some kind of visiting hours posted. While you may not be prohibited from visiting during other times, you could be interfering with your loved one's schedule activities, meals, or other important aspects of their day if you visit outside of the preferred visiting hours.
These are just a few things worth keeping in mind as you prepare to visit with your loved one in a nursing home or senior care community. By following these basic etiquette tips, you can build a great rapport with the staff caring for your loved one and keep your loved one comfortable.
Share28 April 2016
When I started looking for a care center for my mother, I decided that I needed to learn a little more about nursing home amenities. I wanted her to be in a safe, happy, fun place, but I didn't know what to look for. To make my search easier, I picked up a piece of paper and a pen and started calling different facilities. I made a list of all of the exciting, new features that places were offering, and then I showed the list to my mom. I let her decide where to stay and what she wanted to do. This blog is all about recognizing great nursing home amenities, so that you can keep the people that you love happy and content.