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For seniors in assisted living facilities, some of their greatest joys are receiving visits from family and friends. While their new living facility is different from their home, it doesn’t mean that you have to change the way you interact with them while you visit. Below are three ways you can elevate the visit for both you and your loved one. 

3 Ways To Optimize Assisted Living Visits 

1. Focus on Your Loved One

While you may have a busy life and a full schedule, it’s important to remember that your loved one’s life has likely slowed down since relocating to an assisted living facility. Make them feel special by talking to them as normal, holding their hand, asking them how they’re feeling, and letting them talk to you about their adjustment. 

2. Bring Activities to Do Together

assisted livingIt's not uncommon, especially during the first few visits to the assisted living facility, for the conversation to feel a little awkward. Bring a few activities to do with your senior so you have a way to spend time together without the need for nonstop conversation. Play a card or board game, bring old photos to share, and even supply them with color pencils and a coloring book. Go for a walk together, even if it's just around the facility. If there is access to a kitchen, prepare a favorite treat together.

3. Be Mindful of the Time

Your loved one may want nothing more in the world than to spend as much time as possible with you. While you should bring your children to the visit if it feels appropriate, remember that their boundless energy can be particularly exhausting for seniors. Just check in with your loved one and see how they're feeling. If they look tired or say they need to rest, respect that and give them their space.

 

 

A trip to visit an aging family member or friend in assisted living can be just as valuable, fun, and enriching. Meadowthorpe Assisted Living and Memory Care is an assisted living community serving the Lexington-Fayette County, KY, area. They are dedicated to providing a safe, therapeutic, and dynamic environment in which seniors can thrive. They also offer respite services and dementia care. Call (859) 878-1300 to schedule a tour or visit their website to read more about their assisted living services. 

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