Columbia Aged Care

Your loved one can derive many benefits from children and young people visiting them. Whether it is their own grandchildren or children from a local school, your loved one will enjoy the companionship and it will help them to develop a feeling of purpose in life.

eHow has provided a few benefits your loved one may gain from having children pay them a visit from time to time.

Companionship:
Whether it is a day trip to the park, shops or library, playing board games or cards, these activities allow the children and your loved one to bond as well as breaking your loved one out of their daily routine.

Your loved one may also have the chance to tutor or share a bit of their knowledge with a child on a particular school project. This will not only help with bonding but it will also provide your loved one with a sense of purpose and self worth.

Bringing gifts:
Having a child bring your loved one a gift – whether it be slippers, a book, a blanket etc. allows your loved one to not only feel the joy of receiving a surprise gift but it also provides them with the feeling of being loved, valued and remembered.

Making sure your loved one feels valued and remembered is important, especially if they live alone, in a nursing home or live far away.

Sharing experiences:
Your loved one will have so many experiences and stories to tell children. Having your loved one sit with a child or a group of children and share their knowledge or a story about something they experienced (e.g. historical events) is a fantastic way to not only teach the children or child something new but also give your loved one a sense of pride and importance.

Having a child or group of children visit your loved one is a great opportunity to break up your loved one’s daily routine – especially if they do not get regular visitors. If your loved one lives alone, creating a sense of self worth and making sure your loved one knows you care is extremely important.

Read the full article here.

When your loved one is moved into a nursing home it is important that they don’t feel abandoned and that their close relationships continue.

However, many people can become uncomfortable or distressed when visiting a nursing home. Aged Carer has given some helpful tips to create a more enjoyable and comfortable environment for when you visit your loved one.

• If your loved one is immobile or cannot communicate, holding their hand, stroking their forehead or quietly talking to them will let them know you care.
• Share a meal with your loved one in the dining room or order take away.
• Bring a family pet to visit, go for a walk around the garden and show off the pet to other residents.
• Bring a grandchild to visit. If they have a favourite book have them read it out loud to your loved one or if they play a musical instrument bring it along and put on a mini concert.

A short visit can break up your loved one’s daily routine and for many residents in an aged care facility a family visit is the highlight of their week. Making your loved one feel important and a part of the family is the best way to ensure your loved one is happy and content.

To read the full article, click here.

It’s easy to make excuses not to visit your loved one in an aged care facility: life is busy, it can make us feel helpless, the environment can be upsetting. However, it’s important to visit in order to maintain emotional ties with loved ones. 

Aged Care Crisis has provided information about how visiting will benefit your loved one, what you can talk to your loved one about and how to make your visit a success.

• Visiting helps brighten your loved one’s day and maintains their connection to the family and community.
• What can you do and talk about while you are visiting? Reminisce about fun times, read a story or share family news. Possible activities are painting fingernails, writing a letter, playing cards, going for a walk, bringing children or pets – or even bringing your loved one’s favourite food.
• Make your visit great by asking your loved one the best time to visit, establishing a regular day to visit so your loved one has something to look forward to, always showing up when you say you will and taking your loved one out of their room for a change of scenery.

Read the full article HERE.

When moving into a nursing home it can take some time before your loved one feels at home in their new surroundings. It can also be quite a confronting adjustment for you and other people who visit. AgedCarer.com.au has an article that offers '12 tips for nursing home visits'.

Visiting a loved one in a nursing home can be confronting for many people. Residents of nursing homes can feel particularly vulnerable and isolated from close friends and family.

It is important that a family member does not feel abandoned in a nursing home and close relationships continue.

If you feel uncomfortable visiting a nursing home there are many things you can do to ensure your visit is enjoyable for the whole family. Remember to call ahead and arrange a convenient time to visit. 

12 Tips for nursing home visits

1. If a family member is immobile or unable to communicate simply holding their hand, stroking their forehead and talking quietly lets them know you care.
    
2. Talk about recent outings, bus trips or events at the nursing home.
    
3. Bring photos or a family movie of recent special events. Watch a DVD together and bring some snacks.
    
4. Share a meal with your family member in the dining room or order take away food. Call the nursing home ahead of time to organise a table.
    
5.  Bring grandchildren to visit. Ask a grandchild to read from a favourite book or to brighten a room with current art projects.
    
6.  Help a family member write a letter to a friend. Receiving a letter or card in return will lift their spirits.

To read full article CLICK HERE