Tips for Visiting Loved Ones in a Nursing Home During the Holidays

 Posted on December 12, 2018 in Nursing Home Abuse

Anyone who has placed their parent, grandparent, or loved one in a nursing home or assisted living facility can tell you that the transition is not always easy. The first holiday season away from home can be especially difficult for nursing home residents and their families. If you have a loved one in a nursing home, rehabilitation facility, or assisted living facility, and you plan to visit them this holiday season, the following tips may help your visit go more smoothly.

Let the Resident Dictate the Conversation

You may be unsure of how to approach visiting a loved one in a nursing home his holiday season. Should you acknowledge that it is Christmas soon or change the subject? Should you bring up memories from past holidays or focus on the here and now? The answer will depend both on the reason the resident is living in a long-term care facility as well as their personality.

Residents who struggle with cognitive decline due to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease may not understand or remember that the holidays are near. Other residents will be capable of enjoying long conversations about your holiday plans. Some individuals living in nursing homes do not want to be reminded that they are missing out on holiday traditions. The best course of action may be to simply let the resident dictate the conversation topic. If you sense your loved one is become anxious or agitated by a certain conversation, try changing the subject or giving him or her a break from the stimulation.

Bring Family Holiday Traditions to the Nursing Home

If your loved one is in a nursing home, sub-acute hospital, assisted living facility, or other long-term care facility this holiday season, consider bringing some of the holidays to them. Research shows that even individuals with severe memory problems who may forget they had visitors reap long-term emotional benefits from visitation. If possible, bring holiday cards or small gifts to share with your loved one. A CD full of holiday music may also be a welcome present. You can even involve staff members and other residents in your holiday traditions.

Contact a Chicago, IL Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer If Your Loved One Has Suffered

Unfortunately, understaffing and other issues have resulted in some nursing home residents receiving less-than-adequate care. If you believe your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, contact the compassionate Cook County nursing home abuse lawyers at Schwartz Injury Law. For a free consultation with our office, call us today at 312-535-4625.

Sources:

https://caregiver.com/articles/nursing_home_visits/

https://www.verywellhealth.com/celebrating-the-holidays-in-a-nursing-home-97727