Changing circumstances may require changes in the way you visit. It is natural to feel a little uncertain in new situations, and people may need an adjustment period. It is important to maintain regular contact with your family member so they still feel like an important part of your life.
Activity-based visits make the most of your time together. Some residents can still do many of the things they did before like, needlework, painting, gardening, taking walks and going shopping.
Tips for enhancing communication
- Place yourself at eye level
- Be aware of changes in mood or behavior during a visit and adjust what you do and say
- Keep a normal conversational tone and use facial expressions and gestures to emphasize your meaning
- If someone is hard of hearing, move closer, talk slower and speak deeper
- Be patient and give time to respond
- Filling every moment with ‘talk’ is not always possible or necessary
Things to do during your visit
- Puzzles and craft
- Look through photo albums
- Go for a walk
- Participate in recreation activities together
- Bring a pet to visit
- Give a manicure and pedicure
- Indoor or outdoor gardening
- Reading aloud
- If they are able, go for dinner, to church or home for a family gathering