Visiting an Assisted Living Facility with Children :: Ways to Make the Most of Your Time Together
When we recently moved my grandparents into an assisted living facility to help meet their increasing needs, we knew it would be a difficult transition for them. What surprised me was how hard it was on the rest of us and especially on our kids. We had all grown accustomed to gathering at their big four-bedroom house where there was always room to spread out. The toy closet was well-stocked, the kitchen was always open, and the neighborhood felt like an extension of their home. We knew the neighbors, played outside, took walks, and made frequent trips to the nearby school and playground.
Then, almost overnight, everything changed. The adjustment wasn’t just about square footage. It was about redefining what family visits looked like and helping our children understand that while the setting had changed, the people they loved had not. Over the past several months, we’ve had to get creative with our visits. We’ve learned that meaningful time together doesn’t depend on having a big house full of toys or endless space to roam. It just takes a little planning, a little flexibility, and a willingness to embrace a new normal. If you have a loved one living in an assisted living facility, nursing home, or other care setting, I hope these ideas help make visits more enjoyable for both the older and younger generations.
1. Bring Colors and Coloring Books
Coloring books and crayons or colored pencils are one of the easiest activities to bring along. They don’t take up much space, are inexpensive, and can entertain children of various ages while still allowing them to interact with their loved one. Even better, the finished masterpieces can be used to decorate your loved one’s room, brighten a bulletin board, or be shared with other residents. A simple coloring page can spark conversation, create a keepsake, and add a little extra color and personality to a space that may not feel quite like home yet.
2. Get Outside
Even when my grandpa’s mobility became more limited, we always tried to find a way to get outside, even if it was only for 30 minutes. Some of our favorite memories came from those simple outings. We held foot races and scooter races, created our own version of mini golf with scooters, and brought bubbles to enjoy in the sunshine.
There is something about fresh air that lifts everyone’s spirits. The kids had room to move and play, and my grandparents got a change of scenery from the same four walls they saw every day. Whether it was sitting in the courtyard, taking a short walk, or simply watching the children play, those moments outside often became the highlight of our visits.
3. Join in on Facility Activities
Whether it’s a Mardi Gras parade, a crawfish boil, daily bingo, or a holiday celebration, the staff and residents alike love participating in facility events especially when those events are experienced through the eyes of a young, vibrant child. These activities also help keep kids entertained while creating natural opportunities for interaction between generations. Some of the sweetest moments happen when a child strikes up a conversation with a resident, shares a laugh, or proudly shows off a craft project they made together.
Don’t be afraid to check the facility calendar before your visit. Joining in on planned activities can take the pressure off trying to come up with something to do and often leads to fun memories for everyone involved.
4. Go Back In (Screen) Time
As my grandpa got older, he wasn’t always able to get down on the floor to play with the kids or chase them around the way he once did. But do you know what’s universal whether you’re 2 or 102? Television. To make screen time a little more meaningful, my grandpa would pull up old cartoons he loved as a child and introduce them to my kids via YouTube. It became more than just watching TV. It was a chance for him to share a piece of his childhood and tell stories about the shows he grew up with. In a season of life where physical activities may become more difficult, sharing favorite movies, TV shows, or even old family videos can be a simple way to connect across generations. For us, it was a win-win: happy kids, happy Grandpa, and memories being made without anyone having to leave their chair.
Moving a loved one into assisted living is rarely easy. There is grief in saying goodbye to the home where so many memories were made. But if there’s one thing this experience has taught us, it’s that the memories were never tied to the house itself. And in the end, it’s the love, comfort, and happiness they felt around their grandparents that our children will remember most.
