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Visiting Nursing Homes with Children |
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Written by Christine Lever
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Friday, 16 February 2007 |
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Page 3 of 3
Pave The Way for More Visits
- Take photos, if possible, and then after the visit look at the
photos together and talk about the visit.
- If the child is upset, leave rather than force the child to
stay.
- Let the child know that the other residents have grandchildren
and great grandchildren and that they enjoy talking to children.
- Walk about the unit with your child so that they can see the
other residents but remember not to let the child wander by themselves.
- If your relative cannot remember your child, explain this in
terms that the child can understand. Let them know that their grandfather or grandmother loves them but
sometimes forgets their name or confuses them with their own children.
Keeping the initial visit short, friendly
and upbeat can pave the way for longer and more meaningful visits to the
nursing home. Don’t deprive your
children of interaction with their older relatives. Let them know that this is all part of life
and that older people still have lots to offer including love and friendship.
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