Taking Children to Nursing Homes

Consider taking your child with you the next time you visit a neighbor, grandparent, or family friend in a nursing home. The experience might yield long term benefits for you, your child, and the senior.

A family trip to the nursing home will give you the chance to see your child in a new situation, your child the opportunity to connect with a different generation, and the residents you pass a moment to remember their own children or childhood.

Medical equipment, uniformed staff members, and residents with disabilities may be overwhelming and scary to some children. Prepare your child for the experience by discussing what they might see and hear. Talk about the health challenges that the residents may have and encourage your children to think about how they would like to be treated if they had the same challenges. Discuss what behavior is appropriate during the visit. Younger children may feel more comfortable if they bring a familiar toy or stuffed animal with them.

Nursing home visitors of all ages should remember to respect all residents. These means smiling and returning salutations to residents you pass in the hall, avoiding infantilizing or patronizing residents by using baby talk, and knocking and waiting for a reply before entering a room.

Children may enjoy the visit more if they can bring a gift for or participate in an activity with the resident. Gifts do not have to be expensive. In fact, a craft or art project the child made may be the most appreciated and the most fun for the child to give. Children and residents may also enjoy playing games together, visiting an aquarium, aviary, or garden in the facility, working on a puzzle, or reading a book.

After their first visit, children will have a better idea of what to expect when they are at the nursing home. Consider making regular visits to keep reaping the benefits of the multigenerational experience.