Visiting tips

Tips for Making Visits a Success!

 

Helpful tips, thoughts, and ideas for better understanding of the aging, and how to make your visits more enjoyable for everyone.

 

Begin with the five "L's":

 

LISTEN to them -- reminisce about past stories of childhood memories, raising families, and changes in the world and living styles. Allow them to express their feelings openly without judgment.

 

LAMENT with them -- hear their feelings and losses. Express your care and concern for those losses.

 

LEARN from them -- past experiences and life's lessons. Surviving hundreds of changes gives them great insight and wisdom. Ask about family traditions and holiday rituals.

 

LAUGH with them -- Laughter is always considered and effective treatment to help one achieve wellness. Share humor from your experiences and stories you have heard.

 

LIVE with them -- visit as often as possible Even just a quick stop to say "Hi, I'm thinking of you!" is a special treat. Share in activities offered by the facility. If possible, take them on outings. Bring in simple activities to do together.

 

Communication Tips

 

1. Always identify yourself.

 

2. Establish eye contact.

 

3. Speak at your normal rate, and slightly louder for the hearing-impaired. Avoid exaggerating sounds, as this distorts the message and visual cue.

 

4. Keep the pitch and tone of your voice at a deep or low level.

 

5. Avoid chewing, eating, or covering your mouth with your hands.

 

6. Use facial expressions, gestures, lip & body movements to help give clues and reinforcement.

 

7. For hearing-impaired and confused patients, find a quiet area with good lighting.

 

8. Bring photos, pictures, and small items to aid in your conversation. Use pen & paper for residents with extremely impaired hearing.

 

9. Use short, clear sentences.

 

10. Be patient and wait for an answer. Remember, periods of silence allow time to formulate responses.

 

What You Should Do When . . .

 

A RESIDENT CRIES: Allow them to cry, and do not make them feel there is something wrong with crying. Avoid comments like "Now, now, don't cry. Everything will turn out fine." Such expressions are meant to be reassuring, but the best way to help the resident is to find out why he/she is crying. Simply ask, "What's the matter?" and then listen carefully. Let him/her feel that you are there for them to lean on, and you'll be the best you can within your capabilities. Trying to get a person who is crying to put on a happy face may make you feel better, but it does nothing for them. A gentle touch, a pat on the arm, or a hug may be what's needed.

 

A RESIDENT COMPLAINS:  A person who constantly complains may be saying, "I feel neglected; nobody likes me or gives me any attention." He/she may not be aware of these feelings, or may be too proud to express them, so the feelings are disguised in complaints. It's not so much what you say to this person; your attitude to him/her is the key. He/she obviously needs more love and attention. Once this need has been met, the complaints should be fewer in number or stop completely. Again, hugs and pats are effective and wonderful therapeutic actions to use.

 

Helpful Reminders

 

When staff enter to give care, please leave the room to provide privacy and dignity.

 

When a resident needs care, turn on the call light at the bedside by pulling the call light cord. The call will light up at the nurse's station and outside the room door. Pull the call light cord as soon as care needs are known.

 

Begin your visits by commenting on something you see that's positive and cheerful: A pretty, colorful dress; photos of family; a beautiful, sunny day; or simply smiling and saying "It's nice to see you today."

 

When you are leaving, it is important to tell them you are leaving for the day. Give reassurance that the nurses and aides are available to provide care.

 

Activity Suggestions

 

Bring old photo albums and talk about memories. Bring new photos to put in an album as you discuss the events, people, and places in your photos.

 

Bring specialty catalogs (seeds, flowers) or magazines. Look at the pictures and have an enjoyable conversation about what you see.

 

Bring games, cards, puzzles, or other favorite table activities.

 

Bring videotapes of reunions, weddings, graduations, or vacations. A VCR and TV are obtainable from the Activity Department. Call a couple of days prior to your visit to arrange.

 

Bring graham crackers and an assortment of toppings or frosting in tubes for decorating. If you provide gloves and a waxed paper surface, the resident can share the creations with his/her friends.

 

Bring craft supplies to make decorations for coming holidays. Even if the resident is unable to help, it'll be fun to chat about family holiday traditions as you work.

And most importantly: Always bring your smile!  

 

 

NHCC

New Hampton Care Center

 

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Where Caring Makes the Difference

New Hampton Iowa