What is the best response by a nursing assistant when a resident has family visiting?

Preparing the resident for a visit from family members is essential as it helps foster a positive and comfortable environment for both the resident and their visitors. By preparing the resident, the nursing assistant can ensure that the individual feels confident and ready to engage with their family, which can enhance their emotional well-being and strengthen their relationships. This preparation can involve discussing the schedule of the visit, encouraging the resident to share stories or topics they would like to talk about, and creating a calm atmosphere.

The other approaches do not contribute positively to the situation. Ignoring the visitors may leave them feeling unwelcome and can disrupt the experience for the resident. Focusing solely on sharing stories rather than allowing the resident to engage can take away their agency and inhibit personal connections during the visit. Monitoring for potential abuse, while important in some contexts, should not be the sole focus during a family visit unless there are specific indicators of concern, as it can create an atmosphere of suspicion rather than support.