Having a parent who’s unable to live safely and independently is challenging. Whether due to an underlying illness or aging, many families look to move their parents or loved ones into a long-term care nursing home facility. While choosing to send a loved one to a nursing home facility is difficult, worrying about how they’re being cared for and what lays ahead may be even more so.
With so many questions circling your mind, you may start to regret your decision or feel overwhelmed. One of the primary concerns families have is how frequently they should visit a parent in a nursing home. There is no one right answer to this question. However, the following information will help you decide what’s right for you.
The Importance of Visiting a Parent in a Nursing Home
The benefits of visiting a parent or loved one in a nursing home are endless. Near the end of life, having valuable relationships is an integral part of maintaining physical, emotional, and social health. As expected, family ties are the most precious. Making an effort to visit a parent at their nursing home can help:
- Enhance cognitive health
- Improve mood and self-esteem
- Reduce isolation and loneliness
- Boost memory
- Communicate that you care
Perhaps the most significant advantage of visiting a parent in a nursing home is monitoring their care. The more you’re involved, the more opportunities you have to pick up on signs of elder abuse or neglect. You’ll recognize how their interactions are with caregivers and evaluate their wellbeing, from their hygiene and nutrition to their attitude and happiness.
Helpful Advice When Deciding How Often to Visit Your Parent
Now you may be wondering, if visiting is so important, how often should you do it? Various factors play a role in deciding how frequently you should check on a parent in person. Your work schedule, other familial circumstances, and the distance to the nursing facility will help determine the appropriate quantity of visits.
Another consideration is how long your loved one has been in the nursing home. If they just recently relocated, paying regular visits may help ease your loved one’s mind and establish a standard of care between yourself and their caregivers. Periodic visits may be better suited for family members who have lived in their nursing homes for a longer period.
How to Have Quality Visits with a Parent in a Nursing Home
While visiting a parent frequently is helpful, it’s typically the quality of visits that have more meaning. Visiting a parent in a nursing home can be a stressful experience, as many don’t like to see their loved one in such a state. As hard as it can be, try your best to make your visit as pleasant as possible. Establish meaningful eye contact and show compassion through touch and words of encouragement.
Remember that your loved one is isolated from the outside world. This includes feeling distant from other family members, children, and friends. A great way to establish connectedness is to bring along pictures and videos, favorite snacks, and other heartfelt gifts. Maybe your loved one has run out of art supplies or needs a refill of a certain medication. Whatever the case, paying a sympathetic and rewarding visit to your loved one will mean the world to them.
Contact Proven New York City Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
Even if you’re able to frequently visit a parent or loved one in a nursing home, you still may not be able to fully monitor their health and happiness. As the family member of a resident in a nursing home facility, you’re entitled to file a report of abuse or negligence when there is clear evidence of misconduct. When you need assistance investigating your loved one’s case, turn to the experienced and trusted nursing home abuse lawyers at Dalli & Marino, LLP.
Since 1996, the legal team at Dalli & Marino, LLP has a proven track record of providing transparent, compassionate, and aggressive representation to those affected by nursing homes’ and caretakers’ lapses of responsibility. We represent clients throughout New York City, Brooklyn, Brox, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Westchester County. We have two offices, located in Long Island and Manhattan. Request a free case evaluation today by calling (888) 465-8790 or completing a contact form.
