Visiting people in assisted living facilities can be a stressful situation for both the visitor and the person receiving guests. For the guests, they sometimes struggle with the idea of seeing a loved one in a weaker condition and may feel uncomfortable as they try to behave properly. For the senior living in the facility, they may feel worried they cannot entertain their guests the way they used to, when they were still living in a house.

At The Hamlets at Westsyde, we have seen numerous families get together for a visit and we encourage them to visit as often as possible. In order to make sure these visits are as enjoyable as possible, here are a couple of suggestions for seniors when family comes to visit.

Schedule the trip

Before inviting anyone to visit, a senior should be aware of when is the best time for a visit. They need to check the facility’s calendar to ensure there are no conflicting events. It’s also a good idea to plan visits for when they are most alert and ready to receive people.

Plan normal activities

The best visits are the ones that feel the most like they could have happened outside of a senior assisted living facility. We suggest doing the exact same things that were done in the past, such as watching a hockey game, strolling around Kamloops, playing a board game, knitting together, or just sharing a pot of tea.

Ask questions

The best way to get people to talk to is by asking about their lives. By showing a keen interest in their family’s lives, a senior can stay connected, get them talking, and make them feel more relaxed and engaged.

Coming to visit a resident at The Hamlets at Westsyde should be a relaxing and enjoyable time for everyone and, by following these simple suggestions, anyone can plan a great visit.