Make Someone’s Day: Visit a Nursing Home

Someone is waiting to see you.

Maybe it is a relative or friend. Maybe it is an old teacher or pastor. Maybe it is a complete stranger who is all alone in the world.

But someone in a Texas nursing home would love for you to pay a visit.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, about 60% of nursing home residents get no regular visitors.

If you have ever been immobilized for a period of time because of illness or injury, you know how quickly you can start to feel isolated. A friend coming to see you, ask how you were doing and maybe catch you up on the latest news probably meant a lot to you.

Now imagine you live in a nursing home. Your body just doesn’t move like it used to and it won’t ever again. You have permanently lost control of what you do, where you go and whom you will see.

Think of how you might light up when told someone has come just to see you.

If there are people you care about who live in a nursing home, don’t put off going to see them. They will love to see you. If you have children, bring them as well. Teach them about respecting their elders and caring for those who need it.

If you don’t know anyone in a nursing home, pay a visit to one anyway. Hear the residents’ stories. Let them teach you from their experiences over so many years. Share a laugh or two. Take time to let them know how much they are still valued.

And if you are looking for a way to give back, why not consider volunteering at a nursing home? It gives you a chance to give back to those who sacrificed for us. You will meet people you will never forget. And you will learn about a sector of health care that will eventually touch the life of almost every Texan.

If you are interested in visiting or volunteering at a nursing facility, we are happy to help. Contact Scot Kibbe, THCA director of government relations, at skibbe@txhca.org for assistance or questions.