(612) 791-0133
Tracy Visits Blog
Four things to do to empathize with loved ones
*See another’s perspective
*Avoid judgement
*Recognize emotion
*Communicate all the above
Blessings/Benefits
When people ask, “Isn’t it hard when a client passes away?” I always reply, “yes, BUT……..”
The BUT is, of course, it’s very sad when we lose a client. Saying good bye to someone you have formed a friendship with, laughed with, cried with, held hands with, hugged, received sweet kisses on the cheek from, joked with, taken a walk hand in hand, taken selfies with, played games, told stories, prayed with, celebrated birthdays, listened to music with and ultimately; loved.
Yes, it very hard to lose a client. But, there are blessings…..
Blessings
The blessings Tracy Visits receives, with each individual client, is truly measured by the heart. The special bond that forms with trust, caring, compassion and kindness is what makes Tracy Visits so unique. The bond between us and our clients starts on the very first visit and lasts until the final visit. This bond is fostered with every visit. Each visit is based on the principals of: respect, love, kindness, listening, courtesy, praise, and politeness. Our clients are made to feel important, worthy, appreciated, respected and loved. In return, our clients are open, engaging, honest, inspiring, and always a blessing to be with.
Clients receive blessings/benefits:
Tracy Visits clients are gaining the ability to express themselves; no matter their verbal, mental or physical abilities. Visiting with clients and seeing and/or hearing them communicate; verbally or non-verbally, is a blessing. Whether we are enjoying conversation, looking at photos or playing games; the benefits of receiving the mental/social stimulation is: our clients flourish.
Families receive blessing/benefits:
Families know their loved one is receiving a consistent, caring and respectful visit with each Tracy Visit. Tracy Visits shares with the family, a follow-up email, after each visit. The family gets to “see” (photos) what games their loved one may be playing or “hear” (video) about their loved one’s life when they were young. Tracy Visits feels it is important to share the wonderful stories with the families. We have had wonderful responses from family stating, “we never knew that about mom,” or “I never heard about that trip,” or “thank you for showing us bits of who our mom used to be.”
No matter where Tracy Visits clients are mentally or physically; we get them mentally engaged with respect, kindness and patience. The social part, of everyone’s day, is so vitally important to overall well-being. Tracy Visits is, “A Caring Visit When You Can’t.”
Unfortunately, the realization of clients passing away; was a reality when Tracy Visits was created. Our average clients age is 82 years old. Understanding and accepting this; the blessings will always far exceed the sadness
The summer months mean a lot of wonderful get-togethers. We attend weddings, family celebrations, reunions, time at cabins, vacations, BBQ’s, etc. Tracy Visits would like to share a few suggestions/tips on helping make conversation time, with our elderly loved one’s gratifying, memorable, enjoyable and less stressful.
- Listen with your ears, eyes and compassionate heart. BE PATIENT.
- Make eye contact; sit at their level and focus on their words. Put away your cell phone. Avoid anything that will distract from the conversation. Speak slow.
- Be patient and wait for them to answer questions. Sometimes it takes a few moments for them to process and think about the question and their answer. Don’t get frustrated when events, dates or stories aren’t remembered. Try not to correct them. Be patient and remember; correct dates or how events happened….. isn’t critical. Stick to one topic at a time.
- Respect and love no matter where they are mentally or physically. The aging process with the ailments and physical limitations that go along with this are not asked for. Being sympathetic helps reduce the anxiety that goes along with these limitations. Speak louder if they are hearing impaired; but don’t shout.
- Be patient when hearing stories you may have already heard. We tell the same stories many times because they bring joy. Retelling funny and happy memories is wonderful for everybody; no matter the age. Let them share their joyful experiences!
- Remind them what a pleasure it is to spend time with them. Tell them you enjoy their stories and insight. Give them a hug, but be gentle as arthritis in shoulders and arms can be painful.
When you spend time; giving someone a one-on-one conversation, you make them feel loved, important and valued.
Be patient and compassionate, time is a gift.
I would like to share a couple “gifts” Tracy Visits has received from some clients. Tracy Visits gives the Gift of Time to each of our clients, however, in return we receive some amazing gifts from our clients.
One of our clients, who is not very vocal; but she listens; looks; observes and will use two to three word comments during our visits. When our visits first began, I would ask for permission to give her a hug; now it is a two and three hug visit! When I walk into the room she smiles and extends her arms out, waiting for a hug. This client has become more positive; engaging, and holds my hand. The feelings of trust and acceptance this client now has during our visits is the ongoing gift to Tracy Visits! This client has opened up enough to say, “I Love You”. The family was amazed she said these words; truly a gift!
Another one of our clients is feeling so much trust and security in the relationship, we have built, that he 
has started to sing in front of me. A very private and proper gentleman who is now showing his love for music. He gives the gift of his funny songs and songs from musicals that he loved to watch during his life. The hugs he gives are also now something he waits for when arriving for the visit and when the visit is over. His family shakes their heads learning that he is singing and giving hugs!
A gift we receive are comments from a client who says, “I miss you when you aren’t here” and “I will be waiting for you when you return.” Comments like these are gifts because, we know, giving the much needed social interaction; the one-on-one visit, is so vital to our clients well-being. This client has become more calm and courteous to those around him because of the knowledge he will have a visit, twice a week, from someone he now trusts.
K
nowing our visits, with our clients, are anticipated and so appreciated, brings such joy and affirmation that Tracy Visits is truly giving something that can’t be measured with material or monetary value. The benefits we are seeing, hearing and experiencing from our clients, from each visit, is a gift back to us!
As one clients’ son said, “you give him joy and purpose and the intimacy that no group activity, no medication, really nothing else can provide.”
A CARING VISIT WHEN YOU CAN’T...TRACY VISITS
www.tracyvisits.com
We are excited to announce our nomination for the 2018 I-94 West Chamber of Commerce Business & Community Excellence Innovation Award. This award is about Changing the establishment by introducing something better. Those recognized for Excellence in Innovation have made innovation part of their everyday ‘routine’ and provide tangible benefits in their work.
612-791-0133
PO Box 728, Rogers, MN 55374