When a loved one has moved into a senior community, or you just don’t get to see them as often as you’d like, you might worry about the time you spend together. Of course, you want your visits with your loved one to be meaningful and special, so it’s understandable that you’re putting a great deal of focus on turning a visit into quality time.
Let’s cover a couple of things you can do to spend valuable time with your senior loved one.
Why Quality Time Matters
Spending quality time together is just as important for your senior loved one as it is for you. After all, aging or getting sick doesn’t eliminate a person’s need for social interaction. Seniors often want to be around the people they love and when they get to take advantage of valuable time with others, they’re satisfying a basic human need.
We all know that having our needs met makes us happier, healthier people so taking time out of your week to visit with someone who loves you will likely brighten your loved one’s day.
How to Spend Quality Time with Loved Ones
Quality time can vary from group to group, but if you’re trying to make sure that your visits have a positive impact on your loved one, it’s a good idea to focus on things they like doing.
For the time you spend together to have value, you don’t have to plan something grand or complicated. Some quiet time at your loved one’s home can be just as effective as going out for a day of events.
Pay attention to the person you’re visiting. You can have simple discussions about whatever they’d like to talk about, or you can take part in a quiet activity they’re fond of. This could include looking through photos, scrapbooking, watching a movie, listening to stories, cooking, or anything else that might come to mind.
If the weather is nice, you might also want to take a trip outside. You don’t have to go far, though. A short walk around the block or spending time sitting outside on the porch or balcony is still a great way to take advantage of fresh air and help your visiting group find interesting topics to discuss.
Most of the time, your company is what matters most to someone who loves and misses you. Try not to dwell too much on the activities that take place when you schedule a visit. Simply do your best to enjoy the time you spend together and try to leave your loved one with a smile on their face when it’s time to go home.