Visiting a Care Home? Here’s How to Make It Special Every Time
Visiting a loved one in a care home, especially if they have dementia, is about showing up and making every moment count. Whether it’s a chat, shared activity – or just being there, these visits can bring a real sense of comfort and joy.
Keep reading for plenty of practical tips and ideas to help you make each visit special so your loved one feels thought of and cared for, no matter their challenges.
How Can You Make Visits to a Care Home More Meaningful?
Bring meaningful items, like a favourite CD or family pet, and share updates on family and community events to keep them connected.
1. Plan Ahead
Bring items that have personal significance. Consider bringing your pet along if your loved one is an animal lover. If they enjoy music, bring along their favourite tunes to listen to together.
2. Bring Favourite Treats
Surprise them with their favourite foods, but always check with the care team to ensure the treats fit within any dietary restrictions.
3. Take a Walk
If they can, walk around the grounds or sit outside in the garden. Fresh air and a change of scenery can be very refreshing.
4. Mark the Next Visit
Use a calendar in their room to highlight the date of your next visit, giving them something to look forward to.
5. Stay Connected with Conversations
Talk about what’s happening in the family or local community. If your loved one has dementia and can’t fully engage, hearing your voice and familiar stories can be comforting and help them feel connected.
6. Personalise Their Space
Most care homes allow residents to customise their bedrooms, including bringing furniture and repainting the walls. Add personal touches to their room that reflect their personality. These small changes can make a big difference, whether hanging up favourite photos, bringing in plants or adding cosy blankets.
7. Read to Them
Bring a book by an author they love or share poems and stories aloud. Reading can be a soothing and enjoyable activity. You could even put on a relaxing audiobook to listen to together.
8. Reminisce Together
Bring old family photos and share memories. This can spark joy and, if they’re able, encourage them to share their own stories.
9. Offer Gentle Touch
A hand massage or back rub can be incredibly comforting. The human touch, especially from a loved one, is powerful and uplifting. Some studies show that human touch can relieve pain, which is helpful for elderly people with painful ailments.
10. Include Children in Visits
Bring children along. Their energy and stories can be refreshing, and activities like reading a book together can create memorable moments.
11. Share Laughter
Don’t forget to laugh and share funny stories or watch comedies. Humour is a great way to lift spirits and create positive memories during your visit.
12. Cook Together
If the care home has a kitchen, consider cooking a meal together. It’s a fun activity that can also bring back fond memories.
13. Incorporate Faith
If they’re religious, bring a recording of a church service or the latest bulletin to keep them connected to their faith community. If the home organises off-site church visits, you could accompany them to mass.
14. Discuss Local News
Bring the community newspaper and share updates. This can help them feel involved in what’s happening in their familiar world.
15. Share a Meal
Most care homes allow visitations during mealtimes. So, have a meal together in the dining room. Sharing a meal is a great way to spend time together in a more normal setting.
16. Pamper Them
While some residential care homes have on-site salons, nothing beats some TLC from a loved one. Bring nail polish for a manicure, some new perfume or cologne or help fix their hair. These small acts of care can make them feel special and cared for.
17. Try Aromatherapy
Sensory activities are ideal for elderly residents with cognitive issues. Consider using light scents, like lavender, which can be calming and pleasant (but be mindful of any sensitivities they might have).
18. Go on Short Outings
Take your loved one out for a short drive or visit a favourite local spot. A change of environment, even for a little while, can invigorate their mindset.
19. Bring Games and Crafts
Most homes have various games on-site already. So have some fun and create lovely memories by engaging in activities like playing cards, working on a puzzle or doing a craft together.
20. Share Family Events
Show them videos or photos from recent family events, like weddings or birthday parties, to keep them feeling involved and connected.
21.Bring Nature Inside
Fresh flowers or plants from your garden can brighten their room and bring a touch of the outside world in.
22. Assist with Correspondence
Help them write letters or emails to friends or family members. It’s a great way to connect them with those they care about.
23. Help Fulfill Wishes
Listen to their preferences and help them fulfil their desires, whether reconnecting with an old friend or visiting a specific location.
24. Exercise Together
Engage in simple exercises, even if it’s just gentle stretches or walking around the home’s garden. Many care homes have exercise programs or videos specifically designed for older people, so ask the care staff for some direction
25. Keep Them Oriented
Ensure they have a large calendar and clock in their room to help them stay oriented to time and day.
26. Start a Joint Project
Begin a project you can work on together over multiple visits, like creating a scrapbook, jigsaw or flower pressing. It gives them something to look forward to and a sense of accomplishment.
27. Hug Often
Simple acts of affection like hugging can make a huge difference. It’s a comforting reminder that they’re loved and cared for.
28. Incorporate Seasonal Touches
Bring items that reflect the current season, such as pumpkins in the autumn, Christmas decorations or bright-coloured spring flowers, and help decorate their room accordingly.
29. Be a Good Listener
Sometimes, all they need is someone to listen. Let them express their feelings without judgment; simply being there can be the greatest comfort of all.
30. Respect the Facility’s Schedule
Always be mindful of the care home’s routine. Mornings can be busy with care routines, so afternoons might be better for visits. And remember, consistency is vital – if you say you’re coming, ensure you do.
31. Stay Positive
Approach each visit with a positive attitude. Avoid rushing or bringing negativity, as your loved one can easily pick up on it. Make each visit joyful and focused on creating pleasant memories together.
Creating Lasting Memories
Every visit to a care home is a chance to brighten your loved one’s day. Your presence and attention make a visit worthwhile, especially for those dealing with dementia. It’s these moments that matter most
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