As our loved ones age, spending time with them won’t always look the same as it has throughout their earlier years. However, this does not diminish their importance or mean that visits can’t be fulfilling and enjoyable.
Many people wonder how to make sure their visits are fun and meaningful instead of awkward or unengaging. The short answer: plan ahead, but be willing to remain flexible and simply embrace each moment. Read on to find out our team’s top tips for having fun during your next assisted living visitation.
How Do I Make Visiting My Loved One in Assisted Living Fun?
The first step to creating a successful visit is to consider what time of day would be best for your loved one. Do they feel more energetic in the mornings or afternoons? Do they have any appointments, like a pedicure or physical therapy, that might interrupt your visit or cause them to feel extra tired? If so, it may be best to plan for a time or day they are free instead.
Next, think about what your loved one liked to do in previous years. Then, consider how you can incorporate or modify those activities within their current abilities. For example, traveling the country to hike through national parks may not be safe for your loved one anymore. However, you could look through photos of previous trips, watch a documentary about a national park, take a walk on the outdoor walking paths on campus, or drive to an accessible trail nearby.
Similarly, you may not be able to shop together for hours on end walking through blocks of stores. Instead, it may be more feasible to visit one or two of your favorite stores, stroll through a local farmer’s market, or shop online for something special. Limitations that come with aging may change the way we are able to interact with the world, but they don’t have to stop us from enjoying our lifelong hobbies in different, modified ways.
Another way to spend meaningful time together is to attend special events or activities available at your loved one’s assisted living community.
What Activities Are Available for Families at an Alpharetta, GA Assisted Living Community?
Assisted living communities prioritize creating opportunities for regular social interaction. This means there is usually a social calendar packed with activities and events each month, some that are one-time special events and others that occur more regularly. Most communities allow family members to join their loved ones at these events. Check with the concierge to find out the specific dates, times, and current available offerings in your loved one’s community.
At Arbor Terrace Crabapple, there is always something to do! You’re sure to find an event that sounds fun to both you and your loved one so you can enjoy the activity as well as time together. Some of the offerings you will likely find on our social calendar are:
- Group exercise programs
- Arts and crafts
- Gardening
- Themed dinners
- Live music nights
You can also venture into the nearby community if health and mobility allow. There are plenty of places to explore just a short drive away.
What Should I Bring To Assisted Living Visitation?
The possibilities are endless! Although keeping things simple is likely best, try to think of things that are small and easy to transport in a purse or small bag. Also consider bringing items that are sentimental, familiar, or engage a favorite pastime. A few things you could consider bringing are:
- Board games - Whether you’re in your loved one’s apartment or out on the patio, playing familiar games can provide a fun sense of familiarity and camaraderie for people of all ages.
- Photographs or scrapbooks - Looking back on old photos can help keep happy memories fresh in our minds. It can also bring up great stories and conversation topics to help guide the time during your visit.
- A favorite snack or meal - Food can be a great comfort, especially in times of change. Bringing a favorite snack or special dish can mean much more to your loved one than simply a moment of enjoyment.
- Music - Music often speaks to our hearts in ways mere words cannot. Listening to familiar music can be relaxing, energizing, or act as another way to bring up joyful pastimes.
- Movies - Movie night (or afternoon) is always a classic family fun activity. Consider bringing popcorn or other favorite movie treats to enjoy, too.
By bringing something special to your visit, you are bringing both thoughtfulness and an activity with you. This can help spark conversation, make your loved one feel cared for, and help create an overall positive atmosphere in your time together.
How Can I Make Sure My Visit Goes Smoothly?
As our loved ones age, spending time with them won’t always look the same as it has throughout their earlier years. However, this does not diminish its importance or mean that visits can’t be fulfilling and enjoyable.
It can be very helpful to make a plan before you visit, but equally helpful to remember that plans may change depending on your loved one’s energy level, mood, and physical abilities at that time. There is no such thing as a perfect visit. Instead, allow simply spending time together to remain the goal.
Also, it is often more beneficial to plan shorter visits more frequently than to worry about how many minutes you spend together in one long occasional visit. Your loved one may have less energy than they used to or be busier with their regular activities and appointments now that they live in an Alpharetta, GA assisted living community. It’s important to consider their schedule and abilities when planning your visit to make it the least disruptive and most meaningful.
Learn More About Senior Living
If you’re searching for more information about how to make the transition into senior living go more smoothly for your loved one, our team has created something just for you. Check out our free guide, The Journey to Senior Living for Families. Here, you’ll find answers to many commonly asked questions and some of our best tips for making this transition as seamless as possible.
