When a loved one transitions into assisted living, it can be difficult for family members to navigate this new arrangement. They may have unanswered questions like, “How many times a week should I visit my loved one?” or “What should I bring my loved one when I visit?” Though it is important to maintain a connection with an elderly family member, the answer as to how often to visit them is unique to each person.
What Type of Visiting Schedule Is Most Suitable for You?
There is no specific rule on how many times a week you should visit your loved one. When determining a visit arrangement, it is important to consider what is most suitable for your schedule and mental health.
Spending time with an elderly parent or loved one may be just one of various time-consuming responsibilities. If visiting once a week is suitable to your current needs, it can still allow you to support your loved one, especially if these visits are consistent.
When considering the frequency of your visits, you should also take into account how visits can impact your mental health. It can often be emotionally challenging to witness a loved one’s health deteriorate. Evaluating your mental state before and after visits can help clarify whether more frequent visits during the week are adequate.
How Often Does Your Loved One Need You?
It is also important to consider your loved one’s needs when deciding how often you visit them in their new living environment.
It can be daunting to move away from one’s home. If they lived with you or other close loved ones, the move can be especially challenging for your family member. Loved ones may need more frequent visits throughout the week at the start of their transition as they adapt to their new home.
Long-term, decreasing visit frequency throughout the week may allow your loved one to adapt more easily to their new environment. It is pivotal to give them the independence they need as they adjust and build new relationships with facility members and staff.
If you are concerned about your loved one’s experience with assisted living, you may consider visiting the facility more frequently to assess if there is a need for improvement in the way they are cared for.
Reevaluate Frequency of Visits When Necessary
Needs change – yours and those of your loved one. It is, therefore, beneficial to reevaluate the frequency of your visits as they begin to adapt to their new life and potentially become more comfortable with less frequent visits. If any changes in your schedule can allow you to visit them more, that is perfectly fine as well.
The key to deciding how many times a week you should visit your loved one is to make sure that you are honoring your relationship with them and respecting their needs. Smothering can hinder their independence, while not visiting often can affect their emotional and mental health.
The quality of a visit is also key. If you are not able to visit more than once a week, you can make a plan for how to maximize your time with them during the visit. Visiting loved ones during special occasions like birthdays or holidays can also help balance your limited ability to visit throughout the week.
More importantly, consistency is key. Knowing when to expect your visit or calls and messages can be comforting to your elderly family member.
FAQs
Q: How Often Should You Visit a Loved One in Assisted Living?
A: How often you should visit a loved one in assisted living can be difficult to answer. If you live close to the assisted living facility, it may be easier to visit often throughout the week. Frequent weekly visits may be challenging as you balance your childcare or work responsibilities.
You should also consider whether more frequent visits can help your loved ones as they transition into their new home or if they could benefit from more independence.
Q: How Can I Help a Loved One Adjust to Assisted Living?
A: There are several ways you can help a loved one adjust to assisted living. If possible, involve them in choosing their new assisted living home. Visit facilities with them and consider their input on what they would like. Once they move in, provide consistent support through calls and visits, and get acquainted with staff to ensure that your loved one’s needs are being met.
You can also encourage your family member to participate in activities at the assisted living facility and to get to know other residents.
Q: How Often Should You Visit a Loved One in Memory Care?
A: Visiting a loved one in memory care may require additional considerations depending on their specific condition. Finding a time that fits into their daily and weekly schedule is important. Those in memory loss care may also be vulnerable to overstimulation, so frequent visits may not always be optimal. If you are unsure of the most adequate visiting frequency, you can speak to facility staff or their healthcare provider.
Q: What Are the Benefits of Regular Visits for My Loved Ones?
A: Making regular visits to your loved ones can benefit them tremendously. Your consistent presence can provide them with the emotional support needed to adapt to this change and maintain family bonds, which can provide a sense of comfort. Regular visits can also help stimulate your loved one physically and mentally as they participate in different activities during your visit.
Decide a Visiting Schedule That Is Suitable for All
There is no set formula for how much time you should spend visiting your loved one every week. While some can visit their family members multiple times a week, others may find it appropriate to visit once a week or bi-weekly.
It all depends on the needs of you and your loved one. Though you may visit your loved ones more frequently in the beginning to provide an added layer of support, you can decrease your visits as they adapt to their new home. The key is to be a source of constant support for your loved ones at a time when they need you most.
At Rocky Mountain Assisted Living, we provide a space for your loved ones to feel at home, with 24-hour care for their changing needs. Schedule a tour of our senior residential assisted living homes today.