What Families Should Know About When Visiting A Loved One in Memory Care

Having a family member in a memory care community can bring peace of mind to residents and their families. You can feel calm knowing your loved one receives memory care in a supportive environment. However, it’s natural to feel hesitant or unsure when planning visits to your loved ones in their senior living community. These communities are open and welcoming to family members wanting to enjoy time with their resident loved ones. 

Understanding the Memory Care Visitation Policy

The central focus of the visitation policies held by dementia care communities is protecting the safety and comfort of their residents in memory care. These policies differ from community to community. Contact your family member in advance to obtain a copy of these policies. They’ll outline the visiting hours, any precautions you must take, guidelines, and more.

How To Prepare For Your Visit

Even before obtaining a copy of the visitation policy of these communities, there are steps you can take to prepare for your visit.  

• Schedule in Advance: Most communities allow drop-in visits, but scheduling beforehand helps staff and residents prepare. Further, it gives your family members an exciting connection with their family to look forward to.
• Bring Familiar Items: Residents sometimes have difficulty recalling the latest events in their family’s lives. Bringing family photos of important events, new members of the family, and other cherished mementos of their growing and thriving family are often enjoyed.
• Engage in Simple Activities: Participate in activities your loved one enjoys, like reading together, listening to music, or taking a stroll in the community’s beautifully landscaped campus.

This list presents some good starting points for your upcoming visit. Additional information will be available in the visitation policy. Read the policy thoroughly and call them if you have any questions.

Access to Local Attractions and the Importance of Outings

Memory care communities are often located near local activities and attractions to provide outing opportunities for residents and their families. Staying active in the world is important to a fulfilling retirement, so outings with residents in dementia care are encouraged during family visits. While scheduled outings are often provided for community members, this is a special opportunity to bond with your senior loved one.

• Parks: Local parks provide a wonderful change of venue and an opportunity to connect with the surrounding community and nature. Families with children may find that these environments provide new ways for their younger members to engage with their resident family.
• Theater: Taking in local theatrical events and musical performances provides comfortable environments for a visit in any weather. Further, they help build connections with the local culture and cherish memories with family members.
• Restaurants: While memory care communities provide flavorful, nutritious meals, the local area provides delicious local fare and new experiences. They provide good venues for special celebrations or private time away from the community for families to bond.

These are just a few common options surrounding life at many memory care communities. Research the area around your family members’ community to determine the options that they have available. Engage with them to determine what they’ll enjoy and provide options in case of unexpected weather or events.

Connect With The Community Staff And Communicate Often

Residents and staff alike appreciate it when their family members are actively involved with the community. The most important part of this is frequent communication with the staff. They want to ensure that your resident family member is receiving personalized care. Before your visit, reach out to the staff to learn about any recent changes in their condition and to properly prepare for your time with them. They’ll also help you more clearly understand the guidelines that govern the community. 

Understanding these will ensure that your visit helps maintain a harmonious environment. They’ll alert you to any health precautions you should take during your visit and know any adjustments you may need to make.

Visit A Memory Care Community That Keeps You Involved With Your Loved One at Elison of Pinecrest in Largo, FL

If you have a family member ready to transition into a memory care community, schedule a tour and experience firsthand how Elison Senior Living of Pinecrest can enhance their retirement years. At Elison of Pinecrest, we provide an environment that caters to seniors seeking a low-maintenance and fulfilling lifestyle.

Our community offers comfortable accommodations in the heart of Largo, Florida. Contact us today to schedule a tour and ensure your loved one receives the care and support they deserve!