Few things bring elderly relatives more joy than forming a strong bond with the next generation. Kids also stand to benefit with improved cognition and an increased sense of security amongst other things. It's a win-win, but how exactly do you maintain these relationships with an elderly relative living in a care home?
After all, visiting a care home with kids can feel overwhelming. Will they behave? Will they find the environment distressing? It's a lot to think about and it could see Grandma going months without seeing the grandkids.
In truth, though, there's no reason why your kids can't enjoy a relationship with elderly relatives, even if there's a care home involved. You simply need to get over the hurdle of those initial visits in the following key ways.
# 1 - Prepare Them About What to Expect
Care homes can be amazing spaces, offering fantastic facilities, luxury apartments, and tailored care packages to meet all of your elderly relative's needs. But, a visit here can still feel like a far cry from heading over to see Gran at home. If your elderly relative has recently moved into a care home, kids are especially at risk of feeling overwhelmed by the new surroundings, which can be busy and different from what they know.
Talking with your children about what to expect in advance of a visit is the best way around this. It's especially worth using positive language to explain why their loved one is no longer at home, and potentially even showing them pictures of things like communal areas they're likely to visit. That way, you remove any risk of confusion or overwhelm on the day.
# 2 - Ease in With a Private Setting
Communal care home areas can make great visiting locations. Still, it might be worth avoiding these busier areas for your child's first few visits, as suddenly finding themselves in that environment may feel daunting.
Instead, try to stick to visiting your relative in their room or another private space for the first few times. This way, your child will have time to fully adjust to this new location, before also meeting other residents and staff members.
# 3 - Pack a Bag
Elderly relatives often have toys on hand at home for young relatives, but the same can't be said in a care home setting. As such, you're going to want to pack a bag with a few things to keep your kids entertained. This is key to ensuring they don't associate care home visits with boredom and ensures they're happy to keep coming back.
Books, cars, and games are great options here. You could also set your children some activities to complete during each visit, such as designing a card for their elderly relative or colouring. Either way, they'll be a whole lot happier, and you'll be able to speak with your loved one in peace.
Care home visits with kids can feel daunting for everyone, but they're sure to run smoothly if you start by using these top tips.
Leave a Reply