Grandparents play a pivotal role in the life of a child. So, naturally, the fact that a grandparent is a resident at an assisted living facility should not serve as a barrier to maintaining this bond. However, it is essential to note that visiting a grandparent in a facility differs slightly from visiting someone at home. Learn how to prepare for the visit to ensure everyone is comfortable and happy.
Have a Conversation
No matter how old the child is, they will likely have questions concerning their grandparents' new home. It is often much easier to discuss the specifics behind their grandparents' move before you arrive at the facility than to do so in the company of your loved one. Your child might feel bad about the news, and your parent may feel equally emotional. A few days before the visit, have a sit down so that your child can ask any questions and clear up any misconceptions they might have.
Plan Accordingly
Particularly if you have a young school-aged child or toddler, you want to be precise about planning your visit if you want the visit to be positive. Children in this age range often have set nap and feeding schedules, and any deviance from these schedules might make the child irritable. Ideally, you should aim to plan a visit time just after your child's feeding or nap schedule, as this is when the child is often most refreshed.
Inquire About Meeting Spaces
If your parent shares a room with another resident or you have multiple children, contact a staff member at the assisted living facility to find out if they have any meeting spaces you can use. Often, these communities have courtyard or den-like spaces that everyone shares, but they might also have private spaces that offer a more intimate environment. These private spaces are great if you are worried about disturbing other residents.
Bring Backup
Consider bringing along a backup plan. It does not matter the child's age; after a certain point, children can become antsy. The last thing you want to do is to make your parent feel as though their grandchildren want to leave and not spend time with them. A deck of playing cards or even a tablet can help keep your children settled so that you can maximize the length of your visit.
Keep all these tips in mind as you plan your next grandparent-grandchild visit to ensure everyone has the best possible experience.
Contact an assisted living facility to learn more.