When a loved one moves into an assisted living community, it can bring a mix of emotions for everyone involved. One of the most common concerns is how often to visit. While they may enjoy their new home’s social life, activities, and support, spending time with family and friends remains invaluable.
Regular visits provide reassurance, strengthen relationships, and help ease the transition. There’s no single “right” answer, but a good approach is to visit as often as feels meaningful and comfortable for both you and your loved one. In the beginning, more frequent visits—perhaps a few times a week—can help with adjustment. Over time, as they settle in, finding a natural rhythm based on their preferences, schedule, and needs is often the best solution.
Set a Goal for Visits
Families are encouraged to prioritize regular visits; aiming for 2 to 4 times a month might be a good starting point. These visits become even more important early on as your loved one adjusts to their new surroundings. Your presence can reassure them that they’re not alone in this new chapter of life.
It’s not about how long you stay—it’s about showing that you’re there, whether for a quick coffee or an afternoon stroll.
The Benefit of Frequent Visits
Frequent visits can create emotional and physical benefits for your loved one.
- Reduce feelings of loneliness: Your loved one may miss the comfort of home. Spending time with family helps combat feelings of isolation or homesickness.
- Boost emotional well-being: Consistent visits remind them of how much they are cherished, which can lift their spirits and improve mood.
- Improve physical health: Emotional connection and happiness can have positive effects on overall health and wellness.
- Strengthen family connections: For you, these visits not only allow you to check in on how they’re adapting but also foster meaningful memories.
Knowing you’re there is a powerful boost to their sense of identity. A visit is worth more than you think!
Can You Visit Too Often?
While visiting often is important, respecting your loved one’s independence is equally vital. Assisted living communities are designed to create a sense of autonomy while offering support, and you don’t want frequent visits to disrupt that balance unintentionally. The secret key? Communication.
Ask your loved one how often they’d like to see you and remain open to adjusting the schedule. Every person has unique preferences, and having these conversations shows you respect their independence.
Here are a few tips to help strike the right balance:
- Plan visits that align with their schedule of activities.
- Focus on shorter, more frequent visits rather than lengthy ones that could feel overwhelming.
- Adjust your frequency as they settle in—some residents may need more visits initially and fewer as they become more involved in their community.
It’s all about listening to your loved one’s needs while offering consistent support.
Factors That Might Influence Visit Frequency
Life can be busy, so finding the right rhythm for visits depends on some practical considerations. Here are some factors to think about:
- Their health & age: Older loved ones or those navigating health difficulties may benefit from more regular interaction to uplift their spirits. However, if health conditions restrict energy levels, shorter or less frequent visits might be more beneficial.
- Your travel distance: If you live far away, frequent in-person visits might not be realistic. Using technology for video calls or messages can help maintain regular contact in these cases.
- Community activities: Assisted living communities like The Barrington at Hioaks often host rich calendars of events. If your loved one is actively engaged, this may balance out less frequent visits. Better yet, time your visit to participate in their favorite activity together—it’s a win-win!
Remember, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach when it comes to how often you should visit. Start with a manageable schedule and adjust as needed.
Make Each Visit Special
When it comes to visits, quality often matters more than quantity. A thoughtful, well-planned visit can be an uplifting experience for both of you.
Here are a few ideas to make your time together meaningful:
- Bring shared activities: Whether it’s reading a book, solving a puzzle, or playing a favorite board game, these activities create opportunities to connect and have fun.
- Enjoy the outdoors: Take a stroll around the community garden or share a cup of tea on the patio. A bit of fresh air can refresh the mind and spirit.
- Share memories: Bring along photo albums, family keepsakes, or even home videos to spark cherished conversations.
- Celebrate milestones: Mark birthdays, anniversaries, and other special events with a small celebration during your visit.
Sometimes, simply sitting and listening to their stories can be the most fulfilling way to spend time together.
Staying Connected Beyond Visits
Physical visits are wonderful, but they aren’t the only way to stay close to your loved one. Thanks to today’s technology, it’s easier than ever to bridge the distance when life becomes hectic.
- Schedule regular phone or video calls to check in and chat.
- Send pictures, messages, or emails to keep them updated on family life.
- Encourage them to engage on social media if they’re open to it—it’s an easy way to keep a connection alive.
Also, don’t forget to keep open lines of communication with the staff at The Barrington at Hioaks. They can provide valuable insights into your loved one’s routines and help you determine the most optimal times for visits or alternative ways to stay engaged.
Building Connections That Matter
Finding the balance between frequent visits and respecting your loved one’s independence isn’t always easy, but it’s worth the effort. Every visit, phone call, or message shows them how much they matter to you.
At The Barrington at Hioaks, we welcome family members with open arms. We know how important it is to stay connected with your loved ones. Contact us today to schedule a tour and discover the personalized care and vibrant community we offer.
