Perhaps you're still early in the process of planning for the move of a loved one. Maybe you already have a move-in date. Or perhaps your loved one has already moved in and is settled. Regardless, family members often feel anxious about when and how frequently they should visit. On the one hand, they want to be sure their loved one feels comforted and supported — not abandoned. On the other hand, they don't want to interrupt the adjustment process or the development of relationships with caregivers and fellow residents.

At LCH, our philosophy is to encourage family members to visit their loved ones in our care homes regularly and often. In fact, we're rare in our flexibility — allowing family members to visit at any time, without regular visiting hours.

That said, we do still have a few recommendations for family members who want to visit.

Coordinate your visit

While LCH doesn't require a 'heads up' that you're coming, many other care homes do. Even for us at LCH, it can be helpful to make sure you don't plan to visit in the middle of an activity. This could mean setting up a consistent weekly visit schedule or simply calling ahead. It's helpful for staff to know that you'll be coming. They can provide updates about your loved one's well-being since your last visit.

Determine your frequency

During the transition, we encourage families to plan daily visits if possible in order to provide continuity and ensure a smooth adjustment. Larger families can even have one visit in the morning and another in the afternoon for the first couple of weeks. Once your loved one is settled, the frequency of visits can be adjusted based on individual needs, preferences, and circumstances. Some families find weekly visits sufficient, while others prefer multiple visits a week. The goal is to ensure your loved one feels cared for and connected.

Have a plan

In addition to planning the timing of your visits, it's good to have a plan for what to do during visits. While some residents enjoy having a family member simply sit with them, others find it awkward. We recommend focusing on their interests or engaging in activities they enjoy. Some families like to share photos and provide updates on grandchildren and other family members. Others like to play games. Bringing comforting items — a family photo album, a favorite blanket, or familiar music — can also help make a visit feel warm and meaningful.

Be consistent

Routine is important and reassuring. Again, at LCH you're welcome to stop by anytime, but it's often best for your loved one and their caregivers to know when to expect you. A regular schedule can establish a comforting sense of structure and predictability. Related, be sure to let your loved one know when you'll miss a regularly scheduled visit, or if you'll be unable to visit for an extended period of time. It's good to let staff know as well, so they can reassure your loved one that there's a reason for your absence. If possible, try to schedule another family member to stop by when you're unavailable.

Communicate

And finally, stay in touch! When you communicate regularly with your loved one's caregivers, it allows you to know how they're doing in between visits. It's particularly helpful to know if they've had any setbacks or new achievements. If you set any goals for the New Year, you'll get updates on their progress and you can make adjustments as needed.

If you have any questions about how Legacy Care Home supports residents and their families please don't hesitate to contact us. We'd love for you to visit and see what makes our homes special.