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Visiting a grandparent at an assisted living community can be overwhelming for young children. Even if they are unsure about the new environment, you’ll need to reinforce good manners to help them have fun with their loved one without disrupting other residents. Below are a few tips for bringing a little one to assisted living with you.

3 Tips for Visiting Assisted Living With Children

1. Let Your Child Know What to Expect

Before the visit, have an open dialogue with your child about what they can expect when visiting their grandparent or loved on at the assisted living facility. Let them know that this will be different than where they have visited before, and that there will be other people there that they won’t recognize. Talking to your child about the experience before it occurs will give you the chance to remind them to be respectful of all the other residents. Additionally, you can explain that these people are neighbors, just like the child’s nearby friends.

2. Do an Activity Together

assisted livingDoing an activity, such as a board game or puzzle, is a great way for both your elderly loved one and child settle in and relax together. By planning something to do, you can minimize uncertainty; your child will be so busy having fun that they will forget they are in a new environment. Additionally, it is an excellent bonding opportunity for everyone.

3. Set a Time Limit on the Visit

If you have very young children, it’s best to set a time limit on the visit to about an hour. Your child will likely have lots of energy and may not sit still for an extended time. Limiting your visit can help avoid restlessness in kids and exhaustion in seniors.

 

When it’s time to search for an assisted living facility for your loved one, turn to the professionals at Hillcrest Assisted Living in Columbia, MO. For over 30 years, this premier community has offered comprehensive life care services and comfortable living quarters for senior residents. They also offer a wide range of amenities that can be personalized to your loved one’s needs, Call (573) 696-3201 to schedule a tour of their campus, and visit them online to learn more about their full list of amenities. 

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