Planning a visit to a family member or friend at their senior living community? A meaningful visit does not need to be long, perfectly planned, or jam-packed with activities. The most significant and memorable visits simply fit your loved one’s energy, preferences, and routine.
Take a moment to learn tips for visiting a loved one so you can make the most of each occasion.
Before You Visit
Although last-minute plans can be a welcome surprise, it’s typically best to plan ahead so your loved one looks forward to your visit—and you think through all the relevant details.
Find a time that works well for your loved one.
When talking with your loved one or their caregiver and choosing a time to visit, ask whether you should work around any appointments, therapies, meals, or other events. Also ask about the time of day your loved one is most likely to enjoy visitors, based on their energy levels.
Consider your loved one’s abilities and interests when suggesting outings or activities. For instance, ideas for visiting someone in independent or assisted living may not work for a loved one in long-term or memory care. You can find great ways to spend a day, no matter your loved one’s preferences and limitations.
Learn about the community.
Look online or call the community concierge to ensure you’re aware of any community guidelines you need to follow. For example, certain visiting hours or rules about bringing in outside food and beverages may apply. A community concierge also can provide helpful information about parking, campus layout, scheduled events, and more to help you plan your visit.
Be ready to pivot if needed.
Thinking ahead is key, but plans can change if you or your loved one isn’t up to the visit when the day comes. Whenever you’re visiting someone in a care home, check in before you arrive to ensure it’s a good time.
If you are experiencing any illness symptoms, don’t risk sharing germs; reschedule for a time when you’re well. If a conflict comes up that prevents you from following through with your plans for a visit, take time for a phone call instead and plan another day in the near future to be together.
Things to Do During a Visit at Wesley on Grand
Sometimes, a chat or a shared interest (like knitting, puzzles, or a favorite show) enjoyed in your loved one’s home is the perfect way to spend your time. However, if you’re looking for additional activities, you can explore a variety of options.
Wesley on Grand is a dynamic community, offering excellent venues where visitors and residents can connect outside of private suites and apartments. For example, when residents invite friends and family to Wesley on Grand, they can enjoy:
Fine Dining at Vita
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to enjoy an exceptional meal together, make a point to visit Vita, an elegant fine-dining restaurant on the Wesley on Grand campus. This restaurant is open to the public, and walk-ins are welcome, though reservations are appreciated.
Casual Dining at Santé or the Chamberlain Pub
Wesley on Grand also offers great spots for a casual meal or drink with your loved one. Santé is a lively bistro featuring a diverse menu and grab-and-go options. Located in the historic D.S. Chamberlain Mansion, the Chamberlain Pub offers a cozy atmosphere, outdoor seating, tasty bites, signature cocktails, and even live piano music on certain nights.
Grand Creations Salon
Why not enjoy a self-care session with your loved one? Wesley on Grand offers a full-service salon with experiences provided by Trixies Salon & Spa. This salon is open to the public, so you and your loved one can schedule a massage, manicure, hair treatment, or any service that will leave you feeling pampered while you connect.
Outdoor Walking Paths
Enjoy fresh air and conversation along a half-mile of paved walking paths winding through park-like green space. The grounds also feature multi-level decks and patios, a serene pond, and an outdoor fountain that make for peaceful rest stops along your walk.
Campus Events
Wesley on Grand residents enjoy a lively social calendar of events, classes, and recreational gatherings. If your loved one wants to introduce you to friends and neighbors, consider attending a happy hour, trivia night, or game session.
Des Moines Outing Ideas
You also can step off-campus to enjoy the greater local community. Heading out for a brief excursion can be a refreshing change of scenery and a wonderful way to create new memories together. Consider these fun options throughout Des Moines:
Walking Trails
Des Moines offers beautiful walking paths where you and your loved one can enjoy a stroll in the fresh air. Just over a mile from the Wesley on Grand campus, you’ll find Greenwood Ashworth Park, featuring paved paths, a serene pond boardwalk, and the Claire and Miles Mills Rose Garden.
Outdoor Activities
Des Moines is home to a variety of parks and outdoor activities to enjoy in warmer parts of the year. Especially if you’re bringing a child along to visit, consider a trip to the Blank Park Zoo. If your loved one experiences limited mobility, ask for a free wheelchair rental or pay for an electric scooter rental, and take advantage of accessible paved paths throughout the zoo.
Golf Courses
Enjoy a round or practice session at local golf courses such as the historic Waveland Golf Course or Bright Grandview Golf Course, which features shorter lengths and flat greens that make it accessible for players of varying mobility levels.
Art Museums and Galleries
A leisurely tour through an art gallery or museum can be a perfect way to spend an afternoon. Take advantage of free admission and see world-class exhibitions at the Des Moines Art Center, or check out Artisan Gallery 218, dedicated exclusively to Iowa artists.
Shopping
Whether you create a list of items to hunt for or simply window shop, you’ll find plenty of fun shopping options in Des Moines. From expansive retail centers to boutiques and antique shops, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy shopping with your loved one.
How to Stay Connected with Loved Ones in Community Living
Building a strong connection doesn’t need to depend on marathon-length visits or grand gestures. When visiting someone in a care home, aim for shorter, more frequent pop-ins to create a low-pressure environment where your time together feels natural and unhurried, whether you stay for a quick coffee between errands or a full afternoon.
Between in-person visits, consider the following ideas for staying in touch:
- Digital tools such as video calls, text messages, and photo-sharing apps make it convenient to share everyday moments as they happen.
- Traditional forms of communication can be extremely meaningful, too, including letters, gift boxes, printed photos, and care packages.
- For special occasions, consider flower or gift deliveries to brighten their day and provide a tangible sign of your love.
Prioritizing Relationships for Total Well-Being
Relationships are key to nurturing our well-being and imbuing our lives with meaning. Whether you share a quiet cup of coffee on the patio, explore a local art gallery, or catch up over a video call, every moment you spend with your loved one contributes to a bond that creates meaning in both of your lives. By staying intentionally connected, you help your loved one thrive and feel fully supported in their community home.
Ready to explore more ways to support a vibrant, fulfilling lifestyle for the older adult in your life? Download our free resource, “The Complete Guide to Healthy Senior Living in the Des Moines Metro Area,” to discover local wellness tips, community amenities, and expert advice for thriving in Des Moines!
