Presented by
The Care Center Ministry of
Christian Concourse TM

Guidelines
For Care Facility Visitation

Remind yourself as you enter the facility, that
you are a visitor in the home of private citizens and you are
there by their leave.
When giving food, candy, and drinks, be sure you are informed of
any health conditions that may restrict a resident's diet.
Allow a resident to be sad or upset. Validate their feelings out
of respect for them as a person. If you want to cheer them,
redirect their thoughts on the same subject rather than trying to
change the subject.
Do not presume to know a resident's state of mind. Do not
confront the resident with your questions about dementia. If
necessary, ask the professional care-giver on staff about a
specific resident's lucidness. Most importantly, personally get
to know their level of awareness through a relationship based on
your patience and understanding.
Some residents will not remember being told previously about
significant events or facts. Their reaction to "old"
information will often be as though they are hearing it for the
first time. For example, grief over the news that a loved one has
passed away may be equally intense each time the news is
discussed. Therefore, in such cases, do not lie to them but focus
on helping them deal with their FEELINGS AT THE PRESENT TIME
rather then being sure they have all the information exactly
right. This is called Validation Therapy.
Speak to each resident by name, making a point to know how each
resident wants to be addressed (i.e.., Mr. / Mrs. / Dr. / Rev. /
etc.).
Do not presume that a resident knows your name. Though they will
usually remember your face they want to talk to you by name. Help
them avoid frustration by mentioning your name early in the
conversation.
To most residents, touch is a very important communicator of
genuine concern, personal affirmation and sincere affection.
Due to immobility, poor hearing and reduced peripheral vision,
elderly residents have difficulty changing their direction of
focus when someone approaches on the side or from the back.
Therefore, draw near to them from the front and speak to them
face to face.
When speaking to a resident, pronounce your words distinctly and
with a clear voice. Use no greater volume than is necessary for
them to understand you plainly. Do not use babytalk in your
conversation.
Ask open-ended questions to encourage conversation.
LISTEN!!! No matter what your role in the facility, be quick to
listen to the resident. Give them as much control of the
conversation or activity as possible.
Before moving someone in a wheelchair always ask or tell them
where they are going. In this way, being polite and considerate,
you may also prevent hand or foot injury.
Most residents consider themselves Christians and many are
stronger in their faith in Jesus than you are. Be careful not to
"talk down" to them.
Avoid making a commitment unless you are sure you will be able to
keep it. Good intentions count a little but they're not good
enough when a resident is devastated with disappointment!
Older persons are just like you, only more so!

Thanks to Audra Gray for her assistance in
compiling this list.

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