Visiting someone in a care home: making visits count

Regular visits help people in care homes feel connected to family, friends and the world outside. Visits do not need to be long or full of conversation to be worthwhile.

Things to do together

• Look at photos. Old albums can spark memories and stories.
• Listen to music. Familiar songs can lift the mood.
• Go outside. Sit in the garden, look at the flowers or feed the birds.
• Read aloud. A newspaper, a favourite book or letters from family.
• Bring something to share. A favourite treat, if it fits their diet.
• Do something with your hands. Fold laundry, sort buttons, garden in a pot, knit or do a simple puzzle.
• Bring the family. Children and grandchildren can bring a lot of joy. Check first about pets.
• Join in. Take part in an activity or have a meal together, if the home allows.

Tips

• Visit at a time of day when the person is usually at their best.
• Short, regular visits can be better than long, rare ones.
• If you cannot visit often, phone or video calls, cards and letters all help.
• Let the person lead. Sometimes sitting together quietly is enough.

Saying goodbye

Leaving can be hard. A simple, cheerful goodbye and a reminder of when you will be back can help. Staff can help the person move on to something else.

Visiting Cedar House

At Cedar House there are no set visiting hours: visitors are welcome at any time. Pets can visit too, as long as the residents are happy with it. There are two lounges, a conservatory and secure gardens with a pagoda to sit in.

If the person you visit has dementia, see visiting someone with dementia in a care home.