5 Top Things to Do When Visiting Someone at an Assisted Living Community

If you know someone in an assisted living community, visiting them can cause anxiety. It’s perfectly normal to feel uncomfortable with the idea of spending time in an assisted living community – you may not know what to do or say to help the time pass and effectively spend time together. Visiting can brighten your friend or loved one’s day, so having some ideas in mind ahead of time can help your visit go smoothly for both of you. Here are 5 of our top activities to do when visiting an assisted living community in the greater West Michigan area.

Go Outside

Many assisted living communities have outdoor greenspaces that can be great for walking or sitting and getting some fresh air. Consider taking your friend or loved one outside and getting some much-needed exercise – or simply sitting and chatting. Getting outside is wonderful for mental health and offers a great opportunity to see local wildlife or enjoy nature.

Bring a Show, Movie, or Music

Plan ahead and ask your friend or loved one about their favorite media so you can bring it along. This gives you a great topic of conversation afterward – and if your friend or loved one suggests a show or movie from earlier in life, they likely have some great memories to go along with it. Music can bring up old memories, too, and you may learn a lot in the process!

Bring Pets or Children

Pets and children can create positive feelings that are great for overall well-being. These types of interactions can be energetic and vibrant, helping your friend or loved one get some exercise and activity. They can also be cuddly and therapeutic – a great thing for mental health. Aside from that, children and pets are always a great easy topic of conversation. If bringing pets, make sure to bring favorite toys or treats so your friend or loved one can interact. And if bringing children, bring a shared game or activity you can all do together.

Bring Photos

Sharing photos can be a great way to start a conversation. Your friend or loved one likely has old photos they’d love to share and reminisce about, and they’ll likely be thrilled to see some of your favorite photos. Showing them Facebook or Instagram pictures of your shared friends or loved ones can also be a great way to strike up conversations – and they’ll likely appreciate being kept up-to-date on people they may have lost contact with.

Chat With Friends or Family

Assisted living can be isolating for some residents, and connecting them with friends and family can be a great way to keep them thriving in the meantime. Bring a tablet or laptop where you can set up a video chat with friends or family members (especially ones that don’t live nearby) to help your friend or loved one keep in touch. If your friend or loved one would normally have difficulty setting up a video chat on their own, your help may be invaluable.

Contact Us

To learn more about assisted living and our Care Cardinal communities around the greater Grand Rapids and West Michigan area, contact us today by calling or filling out our online form.