How to Have Meaningful Visits with Loved Ones Residing in Long Term Care Facilities

As devoted and dutiful we may be to the care of our loved ones, there may come a time when we can no longer care for our loved one within the home. The family member may no longer be able to care for their needs or to make rational decisions concerning their daily activities. Self care and the ability to care for their home may slowly be diminishing. After heart wrenching bouts of soul searching and persistent thoughts of guilt, the decision may be reluctantly made to admit our loved one to a care facility that hopefully has been thoroughly researched and rated on such qualities as being compassionate and caring to its patients, having a qualified staff that is not simply in a position because it's the only job they could find, and meets state and federal guidelines for patient care. Once the decision has been made to place your loved one in long term care, there are steps that can be taken to make your regular visits consistent and enjoyable for both you and your beloved family member. Listed below are some suggestions that are helpful in maintaining a loving and supportive relationship with your loved one residing in a long term care facility.

Keep an updated bulletin board posted with pictures, family photos of recent events, holiday and birthday cards.
The bulletin board is a tool to help keep your loved one engaged in family affairs and reinforces the idea that they are still thought of as being part of the family. It is also a sensory tool to help your loved one reminded about what is happening with the rest of the family.
When you visit, take birthday or holiday cards for your loved one to sign if possible. If Aunt Sally's birthday is around the corner, have your loved one sign the card or write a brief message if possible. Take the cards home with you and mail them at the appropriate time. The recipient will feel gratified that they were thought about on their special day.

Attend the long term care facility's specially planned events Most facilities plan special events to include family members of their residents. Special holiday events and programs are often planned with family members encouraged to join in the celebration. As much as possible, attend these events. It is an encouragement to your family member and a sign of support to the efforts of the staff who have planned the special events.

Become involved in care planning sessions for your family member To ensure continuing quality of care, be present at specially planned meetings as often as possible to discuss changes and progress in your family member's care. If there is a newsletter available, be sure to request that you be placed on the list to receive the newsletter in order to keep abreast of facility wide changes and updates that may be occurring within the long term care facility. If you have questions about anything at all, contact the head administrator for clarification.

Plan a nearby outing to change the routine for your loved one. It can be as simple as a ride on a lovely day, a visit to an ice cream shoppe, or a simple picnic. The important benefit is your loved one can look forward to a change in the routine and enjoy time doing something special.

Encourage your family member to participate in scheduled activities. Most long term facilities have a regular schedule and prominently post the schedule. When you visit, review the posted events and encourage your loved one to attend. In fact, if possible, plan to visit your loved one when there is a special event. Your presence is often an incentive for them to attend.

These suggestions will make your visit with your loved one in a long term facility more pleasant and meaningful with minimal stress. Do not focus solely on your loved one's limitations; instead, help your loved one live and interact within the realm of his/her abilities. Your visits together will be more meaningful and enjoyable.