There are three elements to maintaining quality of life, physical and emotional, for a resident. First, we recommend that families and friends stay involved with the resident as much as possible through visits, telephone and other means of communication. Secondly, most nursing homes and assisted living facilities encourage families to participate in the resident's care plan. This plan is developed upon admission, shared with a team of caregivers in the facility (typically nursing staff, social workers, food service, therapy staff and recreation staff) and is updated often. At regular intervals, meetings are scheduled to give families and residents the opportunity to ask questions of the caregiver team and offer input. It is also a time that you can share concerns about additional needs and/or changes to the care plan. It is important that the family and if possible, the resident, participate in this process. Finally, take the time to establish a relationship with the staff that cares for your loved one. These are the people who have daily contact with residents, and they are often one of the best sources of information about residents' needs.