Make the most of a nursing home visit

Make the most of a nursing home visit 
U.S. New & World Report; by Claire Wolters; 12/2/24 
If you have a loved one in a nursing home, you know how important it is to be there for them – literally and figuratively – to demonstrate care. A visit may seem like an obvious way to show support, but don’t underestimate the value it can have for your loved one. ... It may also help them fight off feelings of loneliness that can arise in nursing home environments. Dr. Brian D. Madden, a primary care physician and medical director of palliative care at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, says he all too often sees patients waiting around in nursing homes with “nobody coming to visit.” Here’s how you can make the most of your nursing home visit. ... [Click on the title's link for descrptions.]
Editor's note: Though written for family members, this has good suggestions for your staff and volunteers who visit your hospice's patients in nursing facilities. Adapt and distribute these according in accordance to your organization's Policies and Procedures, and in alignment with the professional standards of the facilities your organization serves.