If you are visiting a relative or friend for the first time, understand that this will be an emotional visit. You will need to give yourself time to become acclimated to the new surroundings. Get to know the staff, other residents and their visitors.

Contact the nursing home for guidance in your specific situation. If the person you will be visiting is in a specialized unit, there may be different visiting hours and regulations to follow.

Helpful Hints:

• Most nursing facilities have specified visiting hours which extend for 10-12 hours. If your schedule does not permit you to visit during regular hours, discuss the situation with the resident and nursing facility social worker or administrator.
• Consider staying for a meal occasionally. (A modest fee may be required)
• Children of all ages are generally welcomed in a nursing facility. Young children rarely react negatively to nursing home residents. Teenagers and older children may need some time to adjust. A staff member may be helpful in supporting a young visitor during the first few visits
• Inquire about pet visits and limitations.

Most visitors initially experience mixed feelings; seek support and advice from the social service staff or administration. Typical feelings include:

1. Feeling nervous, guilty or angry
2. The person you visit constantly complains
3. The overall environment is uncomfortable
   • Try to be supportive of the resident and his/her decisions as much as possible

Consider these ideas:

• Attend an activity with the resident
• Take a walk - inside or outside
• Watch a favorite TV show
• Read to the resident, play and instrument or sing songs
• Reminisce or work on a photo album
• Talk about current events and what is going on with the family
• Help the resident organize (or reorganize) personal items in the room, and closets
• Mend items
• Work on a craft
• Seek advice on family matters
• Write letters or cards together

Additional thoughts:

• Call ahead of your visit to inquire if the resident has any needs, such as personal items, clothing or other necessities. Arrange a time when the visit will be mutually satisfying
• When planning your visiting times with the resident, look over your schedule realistically. Decide how much time you can spend each day, week, or month. This will avoid disappointment for the resident and feelings of guilt for the visitor.
• Conjugal visits and privacy are part of life in a nursing home. Discuss your preferences on this subject with the facility's administration.

Other tips...

• Field Trips: Visits where you will take the resident outside of the facility are always encouraged, when possible, though there must be planning and coordination with the resident and staff. Always consider including the resident in holiday meals at home, and other outings.