So, you’re planning what to do this Easter with your loved one and our cherished resident of here at Manor Lake Ellijay Assisted Living & Memory Care in Ellijay, GA. You want so much to be uplifting, innovative, inspirational, but most of all, loving. But some of you are stressed about how to do this. We take great pride in helping not only our dear residents but all of you to enjoy life to the fullest. We have some simple things for you to consider.

Here are simple tips for visiting your loved one within either our assisted living community or our memory care community:

• Visit regularly! Be consistent. Set realistic expectations on visiting your loved one and commit! When uncontrollable scheduling issues arise, communicate with your loved one directly and be honest. Reschedule and let them know and confirm with your loved one’s care providers.


• Stay for a reasonable length of time. Even one hour of quality dedicated time interacting with your loved one is a good start.


• Plan how to use the time. Plan how you intend to use the time with your loved one. Bring things to share and discuss, such as photos since you last saw them or experiences with your own children, such as sporting events, school functions and other family together time. Allow time to listen to your loved one’s questions, give them opportunities to share their life experiences and stories.


• Be positive. Being positive with your loved one is so important to their mental wellbeing. Be positive in your communication and find the positive in what you share and what they share with you.


• Be patient. Remember your parent was patient with you when you were young. Be patient with them as your father or mother.


• Be understanding. Put yourself in their shoes. Empathize that, as people, we will all experience aging.


• Share what is on your mind. Share your thoughts with your loved one. They care about you and think about you. Confide in them, as their life experiences and stories may give you guidance for your own life and decisions.


• Bring your children. Bringing your children to visit your father or mother can be a positive, meaningful experience for both. Your children can understand the past in a very real way, giving them the ability to reflect on their origins. Your parent (or other loved one) can gain experience about how the world has changed for youth and the challenges youth face. Time with your children will keep your loved one’s mind active, with lively conversations with children of all ages to stimulate and keep their social skills sharp.


• Walk with them. If your loved one is physically able and the weather permits, take walks with them during your visit. Walking is natural, and along with having a conversation, is good for both the body and the mind. As a bonus, you will get some exercise in your day too!


• Bring a visit bag. Keep a visit bag aside for you to add items to share with your loved one upon your next visit. If they love reading about a particular celebrity, bring newspaper clippings or fun facts about that celebrity. If they love sports, share stories about athletes in the news. If they have a hobby, bring a book, article or other item related to that hobby with you for them to keep. Who doesn’t like a gift that is something you are passionate about?


• Be present. Make a commitment to have uninterrupted quality time with your loved one. Silence your phone and don’t respond to calls or texts. Tell your children to be respectful and give their undivided attention. Your loved one looks forward to your visits. Those calls and texts of yours can wait.


• Love them. Tell them you love them. Use the words “I love you” and make sure they understand you.

Please consider (but don’t worry) any of the things suggested above. Your loved one likely will be happy to simply go with the flow. So, Happy Easter to all from all of us here within our Manor Lake Ellijay Assisted Living community and our Manor Lake Ellijay Memory Care community! Enjoy your visit!