When someone you love is in memory care, visiting them can bring up emotional challenges or challenges that may make it difficult, but keeping that connection and visiting when you can is one of the best ways you can demonstrate your love and support. There’s no denying that it can be hard to visit a loved one who may have difficulty remembering you or your times together, and it is possible that the context of a memory care itself could bring up negative emotions. However, by understanding the value of memory care and working with caring, knowledgeable memory care professionals — like those at VOANS — these visits can be truly beneficial for you and your loved one.
How Often Should You Visit Someone in Memory Care?
First and foremost, the frequency that you visit a loved one in memory care should be based on their emotional state and overall condition. Since these can change over time, paying attention to how your loved one responds to your visits and checking in with staff members to understand their reaction before and after you are there is key to establishing the right cadence. It is completely natural for friends and family to want to be supportive but, for example, if more frequent visits are difficult on your loved one’s energy levels or emotional and mental well-being, it’s important to keep their needs in mind when deciding how often you should visit. Learning to recognize signs that your loved one is feeling overstimulated or stressed is also important and can help ensure that visits aren’t accidentally difficult for your loved one.
Throughout the process of developing a beneficial visitation schedule, make sure you are taking professional guidance into account. The staff members at VOANS’ memory care communities are some of the best resources you have to help create the ideal visitation schedule for your loved one.
Creating Comfort Through Routine, Familiarity and Gentle Interaction
Visiting loved ones in memory care can be essential for their well-being and health, but it is important that you are considering all of their needs while doing so. For instance, an established routine of more frequent but shorter visits can help you maintain support and comfort without overwhelming or confusing your loved one. Additionally, making an effort for other family and friends to take turns visiting can help ensure that there is familiar contact and connection with a larger group of people, which can also be beneficial.
Not sure what to do when you visit? Often, your quiet, familiar presence is one of the best things you can provide. Engaging and fun activities that are in line with your loved one’s interests and abilities are another low-pressure and constructive way to spend time together. As you continue to visit, you will develop methods of verbal and non-verbal communication that will further enhance your interactions and provide more comfort and a new kind of familiarity.
The Emotional Impact of Visiting a Loved One in Memory Care
When you visit a loved one in memory care, preparing for how it will affect you can be difficult. Seeing your loved one undergo sometimes significant changes to their memory and behavior can be hard to witness, and the resulting feelings of loss, frustration and sadness can be emotionally taxing. Try to keep in mind that these reactions are normal and seeking support for processing your emotions is one of the best choices you can make in this situation.
It is also important to prepare and manage your expectations for your loved one as the disease progresses. The level of recognition and engagement you receive can change from visit to visit, so understanding that these visits and positive interactions are important for your loved one’s overall well-being is essential and can provide some level of comfort.
Supporting Your Loved One with Consistency and Compassion
Visiting a loved one in memory care can be an emotional experience, but it is important to remember that you and other family and friends are providing much needed psychological and emotional support. Even when things get hard, you being there matters — and staying flexible and engaged as their condition progresses can have real positive effects.
If you’re looking for more information about the benefits of visiting a loved one in memory care or general information about memory care and support services, reach out to VOANS today. Our memory care experts are happy to answer any questions you may have.
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