Even if your loved one lives in an assisted living facility and receives consistent care, they need the support of their family. Visiting your senior family members can improve their mood and overall quality of life. It’s also a good opportunity for you to check on them and ensure they are getting the care they need. However, visiting an older adult may require more planning compared to stopping in to see a friend or neighbor. 

How to Visit a Senior in an Assisted Living Facility 

1. Be Consistent

Your loved one will look forward to your visit. Set a time when you’ll come each week and stick to it. If an uncontrollable scheduling issue arises, communicate with your loved one directly and let their care providers know as well. Telling their providers is particularly important if your loved one has memory issues, as they may not recall you’ve had to reschedule.

2. Plan Your Visit

Make your visits special by bringing along small gifts or flowers or activities you can do together. You might also bring photos of the grandchildren or pictures of your loved one from years gone by. This may stir up happy memories and encourage storytelling. Think of some topics you can discuss with your loved one to keep the conversation going and stimulate their mind. 

3. Listen

Although many assisted living facilities provide social opportunities for residents, seniors can often get lonely. Your visit may be one of the few social interactions they’ve had for several days. Make the visit about them. Listen to their needs and concerns, as well as their joys. If they have a problem with their care or environment, talk to the appropriate staff members to help address the issue.

4. Be Mindful of Their Energy Levels

Seniors tend to get tired quickly. Don’t stay too long or wear them out. Generally, an hour or two is a reasonable length of time. Seniors generally tend to have the most energy early in the morning or after lunch, so these are the best times to visit. If you’re bringing your young children, talk to them beforehand about staying calm and behaving respectfully. 

If you’re seeking a compassionate, quality assisted living and senior care facility, turn to Provident Village at Creekside in Cobb County, GA, or Provident Village at Canton in Cherokee County. This exceptional facility provides a range of services, including Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Call (678) 210-7135 for their Smyrna location or (770) 450-5135 for the Canton facility to schedule a tour, or visit their website to learn more about what they can do for your family.