Can Children Visit Care Homes? A Guide for Parents

Can children visit care homes? The answer is yes –- and it’s a wonderful idea. Visiting a care home with children is heartwarming for your loved one and fellow residents and a fantastic opportunity for children to learn, connect and grow.

However, a little preparation goes a long way.

Whether it’s your child’s first time or you’re looking for ways to make visits more meaningful, we’ll guide you through everything you need to make sure the experience is positive and rewarding for your child, the residents and you.

Set the Scene

Explain in simple terms what a care home is and why people live there. Share how their visit can brighten someone’s day and why it’s important.

Answer Questions

Be open to their curiosity. Whether they ask about wheelchairs or why some residents might not speak much, give age-appropriate, honest answers that ease any uncertainty.

Talk About Etiquette

Teach basic manners like saying hello, listening patiently and being gentle. Remind them it’s okay to feel shy but to try their best to engage politely.

Plan Together

Ask your child what they’d like to do during the visit. Activities like reading, drawing or playing games are great options as residents can participate too.

Keep It Manageable

Short visits work best, especially for younger children. Aim for 20-30 minutes to keep the experience positive and focused.

Talking to Your Child About the Visit

Here’s how to approach taking your child to a care home visit:

• Let them know why you’re going. Whether it’s to visit a loved one or bring joy to other residents, explaining the “why” helps children understand the importance of their role.
• Use simple, clear language to explain that a care home is a place where older people live when they need extra help. Share that some residents may use wheelchairs, walk slowly or need assistance to talk or eat to ensure they feel comfortable with what they might see.
• If your child feels nervous or unsure, reassure them it’s normal to feel that way before trying something new. Emphasise that they don’t need to do anything fancy, just being friendly and present is enough to brighten someone’s day.
• Let them know it’s okay if they feel shy at first or don’t know what to say. A smile, a hello or even just listening can mean a lot to the residents.
• Highlight the happiness they’ll bring to their loved one and residents. Share how their visit could make someone smile or how much fun they might have doing something together, like reading or playing a game.
• If your child seems unsure or nervous, acknowledge their feelings. You could say something like, “it’s okay to feel a little nervous about meeting new people, but we’ll be together and you’re going to do great.”
• Be ready to answer any questions they have afterwards, whether about ageing, illness or the care home environment. Keep explanations straightforward and age-appropriate, avoiding overly unnecessary complex details

Choosing Activities to Engage With Residents

There are various benefits of intergenerational interactions and activities are the perfect way to break the ice and create meaningful connections between children and residents. Here are some ideas to get started:

For more details, read our blog on activities for children visiting care homes.

Making the Visit Positive and Memorable

Here are some tips to help make the visit extra special:

Start with a Warm Greeting

Encourage your child to introduce themselves with a smile and say hello, setting the tone for a friendly and welcoming interaction. Some residents may struggle to respond, so reassure your child that their presence is still appreciated.

Keep It Light and Positive

Help your child focus on cheerful, engaging topics like favourite hobbies, pets or fun activities. Residents enjoy hearing about everyday life and kids are often natural storytellers.

Be Flexible

Not every resident will respond the same way. Some may be eager to engage, while others might prefer quieter moments. Let your child know it’s okay to adjust based on the resident’s energy and mood.

Encourage Genuine Connection

Remind your child that the little things, such as a shared laugh, listening ear or even sitting together quietly, can mean the world to someone in a care home.

Keep Visits Short and Sweet

For toddlers and younger children, shorter visits will keep their attention spans in check while ensuring the experience stays enjoyable for everyone. You can always plan longer or repeat visits as they grow more comfortable.

Reflect Afterwards

After the visit, talk to them about how it went. Ask what they enjoyed, how they felt and if they want to return. This reflection reinforces the positive impact of their efforts and helps them process the experience.

Leave a Reminder

Give a handmade craft or a small gift to your loved one in a care home. It’s a thoughtful gesture that can brighten the resident’s day long after the visit is over.

Building Bonds Across Generations

Preparing your child for a visit to a care home doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little thoughtful planning, you can help them feel confident and ready to connect. These visits are meaningful for the residents and leave a lasting impression on your child. So, why not start planning today? Those small moments of kindness could create memories that both generations will treasure.