b'FAMILY CONNECTIONSwell-being of people living in long-term care. The Circle Approach, made up of four pillarsSettle-In, Savour It, Stimulate and Socializewas developed by collaboratively mapping the journey of residents and their families through long-term care to better understand their needs. Social visits from family and friends are an important aspect of life in long-term care that can have many positive benefits for residents and contribute to overall well-being. Siennas goal of creating moments of happiness by supporting connections in the community led to the development of Siennas Meaningful Visits program and is the foundation of the Socialize pillar. Kim Lattimore, Resident Experience Partner at Sienna Senior Living, has witnessed firsthand the challenges families face when visiting a loved one in long-term care. "Working in a long-term care community, we take for granted that we are in tune with what residents need and are comfortable with all levels of interaction and engagement," says Lattimore. "Our role is to help families navigate this transition, ensuring they feel comfortable and informed."Lattimore notes that families often struggle to connect when they feel their loved one no longer recognizes them or cannot engage in the same way as before. "Our role is to support residents by ensuring that families feel comfortable so they continue to visit. Most families want to be there, but they just dont know how to relate anymore. This is our world, and we can share what we know with them."Understanding the journey Supporting a loved one to move into long-term care involves a shift from a familiar home environment to a community living setting, bringing new experiences and questions. The Meaningful Visits program was crafted by a task group inclusive of executive directors (administrators), directors of resident programs, social workers, and Siennas Resident and Family Advisorsvolunteers who contribute their knowledge and experience to enhance programs and services. The Meaningful Visits program is divided into four phases: Moving In, Settling In, Meeting Loved Ones Where They Are, and the Last Days, with specific tips, tools and resources tailored to each stage to help make the most of every visit.This collaborative effort ensures the program addresses the real needs of residents and families and provides valuable resources at the community level. The program offers a brochure, a family portal on the Sienna website, and a Meaningful Visits Kit, all designed to support families in fostering meaningful connections.These customizable kits are available at all Sienna long-term care communities in Ontario and British Columbia. They help take the guesswork out of what to do during a visit with practical resources such as games, conversation starters, books and musical aides. Kits are conveniently located in each location, often in the Circle caf, the hub of the home where many visits take place. In many cases kits are integrated right into the homes dcor, replicating how you might find similar activities in a family home. www.oltca.com LONG TERM CARE TODAY 19'