Can Friends Visit Your Assisted Living Community? What to Expect

Transitioning to an assisted living community is a significant change, but one of the most common questions seniors and their families ask is, "Can friends visit?" The short answer is yes.

Assisted living communities often encourage friends and family to visit residents, as social connections are essential in maintaining a high quality of life. Friendships in older age are linked to higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction, according to The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences.

However, the visiting rules in assisted living communities vary widely, depending on their specific set-up.

Here's a comprehensive guide on visiting rules in assisted living communities to prepare you for the next visit.

1. Importance of Family Visits in Senior Care

Maintaining relationships in senior living communities is vital for emotional, mental, and physical health - especially for seniors. Visits from friends and loved ones provide companionship, reduce feelings of isolation, and improve overall well-being.

Here are some benefits of social visits:

• Mental stimulation: Engaging in conversations and reminiscing about shared memories helps keep the mind active
• Physical health: Social interaction has been linked to lower blood pressure (Journal of Aging Health), reduced risk of cognitive decline, and even longer lifespans
• Sense of normalcy: Visits allow residents to maintain their connection to life outside the community

Assisted living communities understand the importance of these benefits and often make accommodations to facilitate safe and enjoyable visits.

2. Understanding Assisted Living Guest Policies

Each assisted living community has its own set of visitation policies typically designed to balance residents' safety and comfort with their need for social interaction. Here are some senior living visit guidelines.

Open Door vs. Scheduled Visits

Some communities allow open-door policies where friends can visit anytime during designated hours. Others may require visits to be scheduled in advance.

Health and Safety Guidelines

Especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, communities may have protocols such as health screenings, mask requirements, or vaccination mandates to ensure everyone's safety. Make sure to ask in advance.

Visitor Limits and Supervision

There may be limits on the number of visitors allowed at a time to prevent overcrowding and maintain a calm environment. In memory care units or areas with residents requiring additional support, visits may need to be supervised by staff.

Before planning a visit, it's best to call the community and inquire about their specific rules to avoid surprises.

3. Spaces Available for Visits

Most assisted living communities provide a variety of spaces for visits, ensuring that residents and their guests have a comfortable and welcoming environment. Here are some common visiting rooms.

• Resident's room: For private conversations and a more intimate setting, friends can visit in the resident's personal living space
• Common areas: Many communities have lounges, living rooms, or dining areas where visitors can gather
• Outdoor spaces: Gardens, patios, or walking paths provide a scenic and peaceful setting for visits, especially during pleasant weather
• Activity rooms: Some communities encourage visitors to join in group activities, such as arts and crafts, board games, or fitness classes, for a more engaging experience

The variety of spaces ensures that residents and their guests can find the right setting for their needs.

4. Activities to Do During Visits

Visits are a great opportunity to bond and create memorable experiences. Whether you prefer quiet conversations or engaging in activities, there are plenty of options to make the visit enjoyable. Here are some ideas for activities.

• Walks in the garden: Take a stroll and enjoy the natural beauty of the community's outdoor spaces
• Share a meal: Many communities offer dining options where residents can share a meal with their guests, often with a reservation
• Reminisce: Bring photo albums, scrapbooks, or keepsakes to spark conversations and happy memories
• Participate in hobbies: Engage in the resident's favorite hobbies, whether it's knitting, puzzles, or reading together
• Attend events: Some communities host events like musical performances, movie nights, or holiday celebrations that visitors can attend
• Technology assistance: Help the resident with technology, such as setting up video calls with distant friends or showing them how to use a smartphone or tablet

The goal is to focus on activities that bring joy and strengthen connections.

5. Tips for a Successful Visit

Making the most of your visit requires a little preparation, especially if the resident has specific health or cognitive challenges.

Before the visit:

• Check visiting hours: Confirm the community's visiting hours and any specific guidelines
• Bring thoughtful items: Consider bringing small gifts like flowers, a favorite snack, or a book they'd enjoy
• Prepare for health needs: Be mindful of any mobility or cognitive challenges the resident may have, and plan activities accordingly

Here's what to do during the visit:

• Be present: Give the resident your full attention and engage in meaningful conversations
• Respect their pace: Seniors may tire easily, so be attentive to their energy levels and adjust your plans as needed
• Include other residents: If appropriate, consider involving the resident's new friends from the community to make the visit more dynamic

6. When Visits Might Be Limited

In some cases, visits may be restricted due to health crises, weather emergencies, or the resident's specific care needs. While this can be frustrating, it's important to understand that these measures are taken with the resident's safety in mind. Use the following alternatives:

• Phone calls and letters: Traditional communication methods can still bring comfort
• Care packages: Send items like snacks, books, or handmade crafts to show you're thinking of them
• Outdoor visits: When indoor visits are restricted, outdoor meetups (weather permitting) may still be allowed

Staying flexible and creative ensures that your loved one continues to feel supported and loved.

Stay Socially Active In an Assisted Living Community

If you're considering visiting a friend or family member in an assisted living community, rest assured, it's not only welcomed - but encouraged. With a little thought and preparation, your visit can be a rewarding experience for both of you.

The assisted senior living community at Woodbury Mews offers the best of both worlds, with beautiful green spaces and a robust shopping district. When your friends visit, they can go for a peaceful stroll through the streets of Woodbury or sit in the relaxing green spaces.

Schedule a tour to see all of our amenities.