Visitors

Visiting friends and loved ones who are receiving care at Riverview Health Centre is a thoughtful and compassionate act that holds significant value for both parties. Balancing the frequency of these visits with our busy lives can be challenging, yet it is essential for maintaining strong family bonds and supporting each other’s emotional well-being. Consistent interactions are more than just routine check-ins; they are lifelines of support and companionship that bolster the spirits of everyone involved.

Here are a few ways you can work towards making the most of your visits to Riverview.

• The Basics
• Planning for Success
• The Benefits

THE BASICS

Who Can Visit

Anyone who was (and is) important to a person throughout his or her lifetime can visit. Young children are welcome – and the family pet is invited too!

When to Visit

Most facilities have very few restrictions on when you can visit. However, to make sure your time with your loved one is worthwhile for both of you, you may need to consider certain factors, such as:

• Does the person have a “good” or “bad” time of day? There is no point in visiting in the afternoon if they are usually resting during this time.
• Are there scheduled appointment times with the doctor other specialists that would interfere with your visit? If you visit during these times, you’ll spend most of the visit waiting for the person to come back from an appointment.
• Is there a special recreation program that you would like to attend with your relative or friend? Does the person have a special recreation program that he or she would like to attend, but can’t or won’t while you are visiting?
• Are there other regular visitors? Can these visits be spread out through the week/month? One visitor at a time may be more enjoyable for a person than four visitors at once. When a number of visitors come at one time, the person may get left out while the visitors talk to each other.
• Is there a special out-of-town person visiting this week? Maybe this is a good week for you to take a well-deserved break.
• If you are feeling guilty because your loved one claims that people never visit (but you know that they do!), keep a calendar or guest book in their suite for all visitors to sign, then talk about who has visited and when.

Be Safe

If you are feeling unwell with a cold or flu-like illness, please postpone your visit to another time when you are feeling better. In this way, you can help prevent the spread of infection and keep everyone safe and well.

PLANNING FOR SUCCESS

Be Positive

It is important to set a positive tone for each visit. Beginning your visit to Riverview Health Centre with your mind focused on quality interactions can make a significant difference. It’s not just the number of visits that matters but the heartfelt presence we bring to our loved ones. A short, meaningful conversation can have a lasting impact, offering comfort and a sense of connection that extends beyond the time spent together.

Establish a Regular Schedule

Creating a consistent visitation schedule can be a great benefit. Regular visits provide a sense of anticipation and structure, contributing to improved mood and overall mental health for the residents. For visitors, a set schedule prevents last-minute planning and ensures that visits are a fixed part of their routine.

Create Joys of Daily Life

Regular visits bring the simple, often taken-for-granted joys of daily life to Riverview. The laughter, stories, and warmth of familiar relationships create highlights in the day for each person, breaking the monotony and bringing happiness and comfort to their routines.

Engage in Meaningful Activities

When visiting, it’s important to engage in activities that are enjoyable and accessible to the person we visit. This could include simple games, reminiscing over old photos, or participating in Riverview events. Tailoring activities to the interests and abilities of each person can enhance connection and ensure that the time spent together is fulfilling.

Communicate with Care Staff

Effective communication with the caregivers and staff at Riverview can provide valuable insights into each person’s daily life, health updates, and how to tailor visits to their current state. This partnership with the care staff can enhance the quality of time spent with your loved one, making each visit more impactful.

Foster Emotional Connections

During visits, focus on creating emotional connections. Holding hands, listening actively, and sharing stories can help maintain the bond. It’s also important to be attuned to the emotional state of each person, offering support or simply a listening ear as needed.

Utilize Technology for Remote Connection

When in-person visits aren’t possible, technology can bridge the gap. Video calls, digital photo sharing, and online games can help maintain regular connections. The care team in your Riverview community can often help make digital interactions possible.

Be Present

Being truly present during visits can make all the difference in a world dominated by distractions. Turn off your mobile device and devote your undivided attention to the interaction, ensuring that each person feels valued and prioritized.

Adjust Expectations

Understand that as health conditions change, so too might the nature of visits. Be prepared to adapt, whether that means shorter visits for a person with declining stamina or shifting the focus to more passive activities if necessary. The key is the quality of the time spent together rather than the specific activities.

Optimizing visits requires a blend of planning, understanding, and flexibility. By employing these strategies, visits to your loved ones at Riverview can enrich and foster deep and lasting connections.

Bring the Family

We love pets at Riverview and believe that people generally enjoy their visits. Your pet may visit the Centre providing it is kept on a leash or in a carrier. The visitor bringing the pet is responsible for it during its visit. Keep in mind that large dogs can be intimidating to some people; please be mindful of this when introducing your pet or sharing space with others.

Pets must be clean, recently vaccinated, and free of disease and behavioural problems. In keeping with Public Health regulations, pets cannot be taken into any area where food or beverages are served. This includes the cafeteria, and dining rooms in care areas and communities.

THE BENEFITS

Strengthen Emotional Well-Being

Frequent visits can bolster a person’s emotional well-being. They reinforce a person’s sense of importance and self-worth and reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. The consistent presence of family and friends serves as a reminder that they are loved, valued, and not forgotten.

Enhance Mental Stimulation

Regular interactions with visitors can provide much-needed mental stimulation. It encourages each person to stay mentally active and engaged, potentially slowing the progression of cognitive decline. Conversations, games, and other shared activities can stimulate brain function, improving memory and other cognitive skills.

Monitor Health and Well-Being

Visitors often notice subtle changes in their loved ones’ health and well-being. Frequent visits can lead to early detection of health issues, enabling timely medical intervention. Family care partners can also advocate for their loved one’s needs, working together with the care team to ensure the best possible care and support.

Foster a Sense of Community

Visitors often interact with their loved ones, the staff, and others, fostering a sense of community within Riverview Health Centre. This can lead to social opportunities and an enhanced support network for everyone.

Encourage Physical Activity

Frequent visitors can encourage their loved ones to engage in physical activities, whether it’s a simple walk around the facility, participating in a group exercise class, or doing gentle stretches. Regular physical activity is beneficial for each person’s mobility, sleep quality, and overall health.

Provide Reassurance to Families

Regular visits reassure families that their loved ones are being well cared for. They can see firsthand how their family member is being treated, what life is like at Riverview Health Centre, and the quality of the interactions with the care staff, which can bring immense peace of mind.

Adapted from How Often You Should Visit Your Loved One In A Skilled Nursing Facility by Daphne Dujali / Mar 13, 2024 / https://www.edenseniorhc.com/how-often-you-should-visit-your-loved-one-in-a-skilled-nursing-facility/

We all share the responsibility of preventing the spread of respiratory viruses

Please see Outbreaks section for current visiting information regarding outbreaks.

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