Tips for Nursing Home Visits

Published on October 9, 2024

The elderly in a nursing home may feel isolated from their family and friends as well as experiencing the common feelings of loss from the necessity of leaving behind their home and familiar routine. Feelings of isolation and hopelessness in the elderly may lead to a decline in their physical and cognitive condition. Sadly, studies show that 40% of nursing home residents receive visitors less than once a month. The same study also reveals that nursing home residents were substantially “cheered up” by visits from loved ones. Any visit to a family member in a nursing home is beneficial, but knowing how to make a trip even more advantageous is helpful for both the resident and their loved ones.

Plan Ahead for the Visit

A spur-of-the-moment visit is enjoyable, but a little planning ahead is always advisable to ensure a good visit. Before your visit, keep the following tips in mind:

• Check the nursing home’s visiting hours and call ahead to make arrangements if your visit falls outside of their normal hours. Most nursing homes make exceptions, especially for residents who don’t receive visitors regularly
• Make sure your intended visiting time doesn’t interfere with the resident’s pre-scheduled activities like a doctor’s appointment or a group activity or excursion they’ve looked forward to enjoying
• Have a caregiver at the facility check to see if the resident needs any personal items like grooming supplies and other personal items, or a warm sweater or afghan that you can bring when you come
• Ask if there are restrictions in place for any gifts you intend to bring to your loved one
• If you plan to take the resident for an outing, be sure to clear it with nursing home caregivers to ensure your loved one is up to an outing away from the home to ensure that they will be safe and well

Staying involved with a loved one in a nursing home not only greatly benefits them but it also helps to keep a close connection with your aging relative in their declining years. Regular visits also help family members observe the resident’s physical and mental condition and ensure that they are well-cared for.

Perform Rare Acts of Service for the Resident

Nursing home residents report significant improvement in their overall mood and sense of well-being after a visit from a family member or close friend, particularly when the visitor engaged them in conversation and performed services that the elderly resident didn’t get to enjoy often, such as extra grooming, walking around the grounds, small outings, or sharing a special meal or dessert brought from a favorite restaurant or bakery.

What to Look for to Ensure Your Aging Loved One Is Receiving Adequate Care in a Nursing Home

No one ever likes to imagine that their beloved elderly loved one is suffering from abuse or neglect, but an alarming 24.3% of family members report that their elderly nursing home resident suffered at least one instance of abuse in a nursing home. Signs of abuse and neglect to watch for during a nursing home visit include:

• Unexplained injuries
• Broken or missing personal items like glasses, dentures, and hearing aids
• Torn clothing
• Signs of dehydration like dry skin and lips
• Bed sores
• Weight loss
• Unclean bed linens
• Dirty room or bathroom
• Uneaten meals left in the room
• Bruises on breasts and private parts
• A resident who is reluctant to speak in front of nursing home caregivers or staff
• Frequent infections
• Broken or poorly maintained assistive equipment like wheelchairs and walkers
• Signs of restraint use
• Withdrawal, isolation, depression, or changed mood

If you notice any of these serious signs of nursing home neglect or abuse, it’s critical to have your loved one undergo a complete medical examination from a doctor unaffiliated with the facility and call a nursing home abuse lawyer.

Enjoy Your Time With Your Loved One

Although it’s essential to be watchful of signs of nursing home abuse during a visit, it shouldn’t be an interrogation. Instead, focus on having meaningful conversations and reassure the elderly resident that they are still important to you and a central figure in their family. If you notice any concerning signs of neglect or abuse, don’t hesitate to reach out to a Phoenix nursing home abuse lawyer for guidance on how to protect your loved one and their rights.