The most important thing is to communicate with your loved one — to talk and to listen. Interaction and having someone to share thoughts and feelings with are essential. Professional caregivers in nursing homes not only provide care and organize leisure activities but also offer emotional support and companionship. The presence of family and friends is one of the most important factors for quality of life. When visiting, you don’t have to just sit and talk — on a nice day, you can go for a walk, sit together in a café, or use shared spaces to spend time pleasantly. If the room is shared, stepping out together also gives the roommate some privacy.

Our specialists’ recommendations on what to know when planning a visit to a nursing home.

What Time Can You Visit a Nursing Home?

Nursing homes are homes for their residents. When visiting, please consider not only the well-being of your loved one but also that of other residents. Generally, homes are open throughout the day, but in some facilities, for better organization, infection control, or other reasons, visitors are asked to register in advance. This helps to spread out visits, find suitable rooms for private meetings, and avoid overlap with hygiene routines or mealtimes. A good recommendation is to visit in the afternoon or call ahead to check if your relative feels well enough for a visit. Planning ahead allows you to enjoy time together more freely and comfortably.

What to Bring as a Gift?

Everything necessary for daily life — from healthy meals and snacks to entertainment and hobby supplies — is available in the nursing home. The wish to bring a small gift is natural, but it should be based on the resident’s preferences, habits, and needs. Ask your loved one what they would like or check with the caregiver. Large amounts of sweets are not healthy for anyone. Also, nursing homes may have limited space to store perishable food. Make sure that anything you bring will not spoil or be left unused for too long.

Can Residents Occasionally Go Home, to the Theatre, or Elsewhere?

Of course, it’s possible to go to the theatre, cinema, or visit family or friends for a short or longer stay. However, before planning anything, always ask your loved one what they are interested in, able to do, or would enjoy. Sometimes an elderly person’s wishes or capabilities may differ greatly from what you imagine to be enjoyable. Even visiting a cemetery may be meaningful for them, as they may no longer be able to go there independently.

How and How Often Can You Get Information About a Loved One Living in a Nursing Home?

Communication with your loved one — through phone calls or face-to-face meetings — is the best way to exchange information. The nursing home team is always open to your inquiries. If you have specific questions, please arrange a conversation with the manager or head nurse, or send an email. Each nursing home’s main contact information is available on the website.

Visit Your Elderly Loved One Also on Weekdays and Together with Family

Oluline on ka meeles pidada, et reeglina ootavad eakad väga oma lähedaste ja sõprade külastusi ning seda ka väljaspool tähtpäevi või eriüritusi, et argipäevadki rõõmsamad oleksid. Südamekodudes korraldatakse teadlikult ka erinevaid ühiseks ajaveetmiseks mõeldud üritusi. Näiteks Meriväljal on saanud juba heaks tavaks eriti just elanike lastele ja lastelastele mõeldes ettevõetav ühine jäätisepidu, mis toob kevadel kooliaasta lõpus eri põlvkonnad kokku mõnusasti aega veetma. Kundas on terve suve jooksul korraldatud mitmeid üritusi õues, kuhu on appi palutud lähedased, et võimalikult palju tuge vajavaid eakaid õue osalema viia.