For Immediate Release:
December 12, 2005
Contact:
Nanci Gonder
Office of Public Information
573-751-6062
Ombudsman Program Provides Tips for Visiting Friends and Relatives in Nursing Homes
With the holidays upon us, many residents in long-term care facilities eagerly await a visit from an out-of-town friend or family member or special time with a regular visitor. “Once a family member has moved to a nursing home, it is important to visit as often as possible,” said Carol Scott, Missouri State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Residents of nursing homes need to be reassured on a regular basis they are still important members of the family.
Scott said the following ideas should help Missourians provide care and support to their loved ones during visits:
- When you visit, be supportive and affectionate. Residents in nursing homes need to know they are loved and not forgotten. If they are receptive, hold their hand, give them hugs when you arrive and leave, and give them eye contact when they are talking to you.
- Ask permission to visit and then plan your visits in advance. Asking permission enables your loved one to have control over at least one aspect of his or her life. Because there are two parts to a visit (looking forward to the visit, and the visit itself), plan your visits ahead of time rather than just dropping by. This allows a resident the enjoyment of anticipating your visit.
- Listen attentively to your loved one. Do not dominate the conversation or talk “at” him or her. Even if you have heard the story before, being a good listener allows your loved one to re-live memories or share current thoughts.
- Bring your children when you visit. This encourages a relationship between them and your loved one. The visits can also be “teachable moments,” a time to explain the aging process and how older persons also need love and affection. Parents, through their actions, will show the importance of caring for elders by making visits a priority. In addition, bring a few of the children’s art projects as gifts to brighten your loved one’s room.
- When you visit, share news about your life and family and don’t forget the photo album! Share funny stories or talk about a big decision you have made. Make sure to tell your loved one about trivial events, too. Even little details can be important and make elders feel included.
- While you are visiting, make a point to say “hello” to other residents who may not receive many visitors. Becoming familiar with others who live in the facility not only brightens their day, but also enables you to observe other residents’ care.
- Take family members out of the nursing home for a day if they feel up to it and staff approves--for lunch, ice cream, a drive in the country, to the beauty or barber shop, or to watch a parade. Include them in a family get-together. The activity and sights and sounds of other people may lift their spirits and provide a new and wonderful memory.
- Become acquainted with nursing home staff. Your active involvement and consistent visits illustrate your interest in your loved one as well as an appreciation of the care staff provides. Do not hesitate to compliment and thank the staff for a job well done.
- If you are unable to visit your loved one in person, due to distance or health limitations, be sure to keep in touch by telephone or send notes and cards. Receiving pictures of you, your garden or pet could brighten your family member’s day and provide him or her with something to enjoy for days afterward.
“For assistance in solving a problem within the facility, advocating for resident rights, or establishing resident and family councils, contact the Missouri State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program at 1-800-309-3282,” said Scott.
Helpful websites on Long-Term Care:
Resource for this news release:
Ohio State University Extension: Senior Series WWW Tips When Visiting a Nursing Home, Retrieved November 28, 2005, from http://ohioline.osu.edu/ss-fact/0188.html.
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