How Often to Visit a Parent in Assisted Living

The love and care that we have for our parents follow us through life, no matter where we are. Maintaining a physical connection, however, can be complicated by our own hectic schedules and busy lives.

Taking the time to visit a parent in assisted living contributes to both their health and well-being. 

A balanced approach to visitation is ideal. Since every family is different, finding this balance involves having open and honest communication with your parent. Visiting two to four times a month might be a good starting baseline. 

Importance of Maintaining Connection

Maintaining a social connection with our loved ones is a vital component of our well-being, as it directly affects mental and emotional health.

The community environment and social interaction in assisted living communities are wonderful for residents, but it’s normal to want to also maintain a connection with friends and family. The relationships that people make before their transition to assisted living remain important to cultivate, as the history, memory, and bonds from these relationships can’t be replicated. 

Taking the time out of your busy schedule to visit your parent is more than just a gesture of love. It allows you to physically connect, to observe their care environment firsthand, and to assess their health and wellness. 

Engage your parent in conversation, check in on their living conditions, and connect with staff and friends to confirm that they’re happy and receiving the care they need.

Visiting a parent in assisted living allows you to focus your time and energy on connecting with your loved one and strengthening familial bonds instead of worrying about the responsibilities associated with daily caregiving.

These visits serve as an opportunity to have fun with your loved one and create lasting memories that both of you will look forward to having. 

Develop a Visiting Schedule 

A common misconception is that you should visit your parent frequently. This couldn’t be further from the truth. While frequent visitation may be well-intentioned, you don’t want to be smothering. You likely didn’t want to be smothered as a teenager, and the same goes for your parent now.

Creating a routine visiting schedule can help create a balanced approach to visit. Take the time to decide together what’s ideal for both of you—and make sure that you’re seeing eye-to-eye. 

A great way to get started is by visiting your parent two to four times a month. From there, you can find a schedule that works well for both of you and considers availability and preferences. 

Also, keep in mind that a typical visit can range from short and sweet to longer and leisurely. It all depends on your parent’s energy levels and your own schedule. The key lies in finding a rhythm that honors everyone’s concerns.

For instance, you could visit every Sunday afternoon, bringing along lunch or planning an activity. Or, alternate weekends with your siblings so that your parent enjoys the company of various family members throughout the month.

Tips for Meaningful Visits

Some visits may be more “go with the flow”, while others may involve planned activity. It’s always fun to change up the routine.

Remember, the value of a visit isn’t measured in minutes but in meaningful interactions. Focus on activities that bring joy and relaxation and create lasting memories.

While you may plan an activity, things could change depending on your parent’s mood. Maybe they’re feeling tired and prefer a relaxing evening instead of going for a brisk walk. It’s important to be flexible and to adapt to changes as needed.

Some fun activities to do during your visits include: 

• Game Night: Some friendly competition with board games, or working together to solve a challenging puzzle is a great way to bond while keeping the mind engaged. 
• Arts and Crafts: Tap into your creative side to have an art night. This can include playing around with paint, drawing, embroidery, or creating a scrapbook together. 
• Shared hobbies: If you and your parent enjoy a shared hobby, consider making some time to enjoy it together.
• Cooking or Baking: Exploring new recipes or recreating family favorites is a great way to connect. 
• Seasonal Activities: Celebrate holidays or seasons with themed activities like decorating a small Christmas tree, carving pumpkins, or preparing a special summer treat.
• Movie Night: A quiet night cozied up in comfortable clothes with snacks is a great way to relax and unwind together. 

Other Ways to Stay in Touch

Sometimes, life happens. This often means that staying on top of visits becomes more challenging. While physically connecting with your loved one is great, we’re fortunate enough to have more than one way to stay in touch.

• Text, Call, or Video Chat: With a phone or computer available at our fingertips, connecting with your parent through calls or video chat is a great way to maintain connection between visits.
• Send Letters: To add a personal touch, consider exchanging cards or letters back and forth. You can collect these letters and incorporate them into your scrapbook! 
• Send a Care Package: Consider curating a basket of your parent’s favorite treats and small comfort items like socks, makeup, or magazines for a special occasion or “just because”. 

Learn About the Benefits of Assisted Living Today By Scheduling a Tour

Visiting your parent in assisted living is an act of love that requires open communication and balance.  

Whether it’s through visits or other forms of communication, your actions speak volumes. Keep the connection alive by exploring some of our suggestions and tailoring them to your own family dynamic.

Connect with our team at Mira Vie Senior Living to schedule a tour of our assisted living community and learn why we encourage families to be actively involved in their loved one’s care.