Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Teaching Kids How to Behave Themselves in Assisted Living Homes -Guest Post




An assisted living home is a facility where older adults can live as they become less able to care for themselves in their own homes. Assisted living is a great choice for adults who need a small amount of care but who do not wish to give up their independence. When in assisted living, an individual can receive help with cooking, housework, laundry, medications and more.

It is easy for family members and friends to visit elderly relatives in assisted living homes. In fact, children are generally allowed to visit although there may be particular visiting hours that must be followed. It is important for children to visit elderly people, particularly their grandparents and other relatives. Children can learn many valuable lessons about the past from the elderly. However, children must be taught how to behave themselves while in assisted living homes because this type of facility can be somewhat different from a regular home.

Some aspects of assisted living facilities are like a residential home. Many residents live in rooms that resemble an apartment and have their own private bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living room. This makes it easy for visiting since family members can congregate privately.

On the other hand, depending on the needs of the elderly individual, the facility may somewhat resemble aspects of a nursing home. This is especially true for senior citizens who have more complicated health concerns. For example, some seniors may need assistive mobility devices such as wheelchairs, walkers or canes. Others may need oxygen. “Children need to be aware of this information before visiting in assisted living homes and should be taught the following points about behaving themselves while there”,
says Steve Miller a frequent contributor for Assisted Living Today.

Be Quiet

Children should be aware that some residents cannot deal with load noises such as screaming or crying. Although they may enjoy a child’s exuberance and love seeing their smiling faces, loud noises may present the resident with sensory overload. Instead, children should be taught to only speak when others are not speaking and to speak in tones just loud enough for the resident to hear.

Do not Touch Anything without Asking First

Many items in an assisted living home are different from anything most children have seen before. This is particularly true of medical devices. Most children have a natural sense of curiosity and love to explore and touch new objects. However, parents should keep a close watch on young children, and older children should be taught to never touch something unless asked to do so or unless they know its use.

Be Respectful to the Residents

Most elderly individuals grew up in a world that was somewhat different from today’s modern world. They are used to and should expect to be addressed respectfully. Many do not like having children call them by their first name. In addition, some believe that children should only speak when they are personally addressed. Parents should be aware of and instruct their children in these matters.

Do not Run

Children should only walk in hallways and in the residents’ apartments within the assisted living facility. Not only is this respectful, but also it is safe. Children who are running are much more apt to fall down and hurt themselves, to run into elderly residents or to create unnecessary noise.

Bring Things to Do

Parents should realize that children can become easily bored. When they become bored, they look for something to do. However, this may get them into trouble at an assisted living home. Instead, parents should bring a child’s favorite toys, books or coloring books for the child to use quietly while the adults are visiting.

Do Not Stay Too Long
Of course, elderly individuals can tire quickly and often need naps during the daytime. In the same way, children can also become tired and bored quickly. Parents should only stay to visit for a short amount of time to make the experience as pleasant and enjoyable as possible for everyone.

There is no reason why children should not visit elderly individuals in assisted living homes. However, they must be taught certain rules first to ensure good behavior. With the parents’ help, the visiting experience can be pleasurable for all.

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