Assisted Living can be an ideal placement for seniors who can no longer remain safely in their homes or who require supportive services with daily activities, such as grooming and medication management. If possible, it’s important to visit your loved one as often as possible to help them avoid feeling isolated from the family. Many seniors look forward to seeing their friends and family members. To make the most of your next visit and create a memorable experience for you and your loved one, try one or more of the following activities.
Seniors love taking trips down memory lane by sharing their stories and past experiences. Consider bringing family photo albums or other memorabilia with you when you visit. Encourage your loved one to share stories and memories as you look at different pictures in the album. You can also stroll through our beautiful outdoor area, complete with patios, gardens and walking paths while allowing your loved one to share stories from their past.
While we have a full-service beauty salon right here at Falcons Landing, it doesn’t mean your loved one can’t enjoy a little more pampering. Bring a manicure set or hairstyling tools along on your next visit, and treat your loved one to some extra TLC. Doting on your loved one by giving them a new hairdo or manicure can help them feel special. While you’re doing the pampering, encourage them to share stories about their past or fun activities they're participating in at Falcons Landing.
Board games are a great way to engage with your loved ones in Assisted Living and create special memories while also stimulating their brains. Short classic board games, such as chess, checkers and Battleship, are ideal options for only two players, while board games, such as Sorry, Trouble and Scrabble, are good multiplayer games. Classic card games, such as hearts, spades, canasta and bridge, offer the same benefits.
If your loved one likes crafts, consider completing a project together. This can give you time to engage with your loved one by creating something that lasts longer than your visit. For example, you can spend the afternoon knitting a scarf together, completing a paint-by-number picture or making greeting cards. You can even introduce your loved one to a new craft, such as 3D wooden structure puzzles or string art. The important thing is to choose a craft project that matches your loved one’s interests and abilities. When you’re done with the project, proudly display it in your loved one’s room to remind them of your good times together.
As happy as your loved one is to see you come to visit, they may also be sad to see you go. You can help alleviate some of your loved one’s anxiety by planning your next visit before you leave. While you may not be able to give your loved one an exact date for when you can return, you can talk about what activities you can do next time you visit. For instance, maybe you can discuss what board game your loved one wants to play next time or if there’s a specific craft project they want to complete. Planning your next visit can give your loved one something to look forward to rather than only focusing on the fact that you’re leaving.
Falcons Landing is a Life Plan Community that offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Skilled Nursing services. Falcons Landing is in the top 8% of Life Plan Communities who maintain a CARF-CCAC accreditation due to its high level of care and services. To learn more about your Assisted Living options and to see for yourself everything Falcons Landing has to offer, call (703) 404-5100 to schedule a tour.
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