Support from family and friends is key to the healing process
In our nursing care facility we see it all the time. Patients who have family and friends who come to visit tend to have better outcomes when it comes to their physical rehabilitation. The patient’s overall attitude about their condition is usually more positive. These patients are frequently more optimistic and engaged than their counterparts who have few visitors. Those who are more well-connected socially tend to be more willing to make the effort required to do their exercises when they have someone to report their progress to. Therapists report that these patients are more motivated, less depressed, and more interested and involved in their own recovery. 
Here are some things to keep in mind when you are the one visiting a friend or loved one in a nursing care facility. First of all, just do it! Most patients love to have the company. It is important to them to know they are not forgotten, that they are loved and thought of, even though they are temporarily “out of the loop”. It is usually a good idea to phone ahead. This is helpful for a number of reasons. It puts the patient in control, and you can find out if they are feeling up to visit, whether they’ve already had a lot of visitors, give them a chance to prepare themselves, choose a good time, etc. When visiting a patient in a facility, calling ahead gives you a chance to find out about visiting hours, other rules, what you are allowed to bring, and so on.
Finally, plan for a short visit. It is better to visit briefly and more often than to go for one long visit. Patients often tire easily, and when you plan a short visit, you don’t have to worry about how to fill up the time. Stay just long enough to say hello, catch up a bit, help out, and leave with a promise to stay in touch.
To learn more about our rehabilitation and nursing care, go to Rehabilitation Services