Heart Of Excellence
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| Gifts | You may find that saying "goodbye" at the end of a visit is the most difficult part of the time together. For the resident, feelings of grief and abandonment may surface when the loved one leaves. For you, the visitor, leaving may bring out feelings of guilt. There are many approaches you can try to ease the transition of leaving. You'll have to determine which one will be best in your situation. Set the parameters: Some people find that setting the parameters of the visit, either before the visit or at the start of it, helps. For example, "Mother, when I come for my visit on Sunday, I can stay from 2 to 4 P.M.". In other situations, not discussing the departure until the actual time works better. Be Consistent: For some residents, consistency in the timing of your visits can be helpful in developing a routine. The resident then becomes accustomed to when you will be leaving. Plan an Activity: Providing the resident with something else to do at the moment you leave may make the leaving easier (e.g. turn on the TV for a favorite program. go to the common area where there are other people to visit with, join a scheduled recreation program). Asking Staff for Help: Request that the staff assist you in distracting the resident while you leave. Focus on the Positive: Don't focus on "I am leaving" but rather on "I will see you soon". Provide Reassurance: Reassure the resident that you care. Try a hug. Leave Quietly: While it is usually better to tell the resident that you are leaving, in certain cases (e.g. severely cognitive impaired resident) it does work better if you just leave without saying goodbye. |
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The tradition of giving gifts to celebrate special occasions can easily be continued for the residents. If you are having trouble thinking of gift ideas, here are some suggestions: Appropriate Clothing: ~ staff can assist you in determining what clothing would be appropriate. Safety in footwear and ease of dressing in clothing should be considered. Toiletries: ~ such as hand lotion, nice shampoo, perfume, soaps, shaver, a hair brush. Photos: ~ either an old photo of something of significance to the resident or a new family photo. Food: ~ taking into consideration any current dietary restriction. Please remember to bring food items in a re-sealable container and only bring enough for one or two days. Audio Tapes: ~ of talking books or music. Gift Certificates: ~ for hairstyling or a manicure. Calendars: Large Print Books: Handi-Bus/Taxi Passes: Plants: ~ please note that staff do not have the time to care for residents' plants, and the resident may not be able to do this. If you give a resident a plant, you will need to assume the responsibility for caring for it. Artificial flower arrangement may be more appropriate. Magazine or Newspaper Subscriptions: |
Copyright © Intercare 2003. All rights reserved. No portion of this document may be
reproduced mechanically, electronically or by any other means including photocopying
without the written permission of Intercare Corporate Group Inc.
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© 2003-2009 Intercare Corporate Group Inc. All rights reserved. |
