Family plays a vital role in well-being and can have a significant impact on a loved one’s quality of life if they’re in a nursing home. You want them to feel loved and involved in family matters, which is why it’s beneficial to take your kids to the nursing home. You’ll want to prepare them for the experience and keep them occupied, so use the following tips.

What You Should Know About Taking Kids to a Nursing Home

1. Let Them Know What to Expect

New experiences can be intimidating, so explain what your children can expect. Share basic details about your loved one’s condition. Explain that they may have trouble getting out of the bed or be tired from medication. Let them know that a nurse may come in to check their vitals or change a bandage. These will help your child feel more comfortable when they arrive.

Ideally, you should schedule visits when you know your loved one won’t be napping, going through physical therapy, or having health needs handled.

2. Bring Activities

Nursing home visits are a great time for children to engage with their loved one. Bring board or card games, a portable video player, or a book to read. If your loved one is bedridden, make sure they have a lap-table to put games on and avoid bringing anything with small pieces. It’s helpful to contact the nursing facility ahead of time to ask the director about approved items or any restrictions.

3. Bring Gifts for Your Loved One

A gift from a child is comforting, so ask yours to create something for your loved one. It can be art they made at school, a photo album, or a short story they’ve written. These are an excellent way for your children to bond with your loved one and will also make everyone in the room feel special. If the facility allows, you could start to decorate the walls with your children’s artwork to make their place feel more like home.

If you’re exploring nursing homes in Monroeville, AL, book a tour at Englewood Health Care Center. This medical facility offers a wide scope of care to residents, including nursing services, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. Their team of RNs, LPNs, and CNAs will create a personalized care plan to ensure all your loved one’s needs are met. Call (251) 575-3285 to speak with a representative and visit their website to learn more about their services.