Enjoy a Spring Outing with Your Senior Loved Ones
As the weather turns warmer and the spring blooms arrive, the elderly loved ones may want to get out of the house and stretch their legs for a while. For family members, making sure that’s done safely might be more of a challenge than they had in mind. That’s where Visiting Angels of Hurst can come in and help! Professional caregivers can support seniors who are living independently and help them keep doing the things they love to do. Call us at (817) 952-3223 to find out more about our services.
Many seniors feel like they are trapped in the home, especially if they are no longer able to drive themselves or if they have decreased mobility. Sharing an outing with a trusted companion like a caregiver is a great way to stave off feelings of loneliness and disconnection. Even those with dementia will appreciate getting out of the house, and here are some tips for doing it safely.
Special Needs and Preferences
Plan an outing with your loved one’s special needs and preferences in mind. Those closest to them will know their limitations, preferences, and comfort level in different situations. Think about how quickly they are able to move or if they will need certain types of seating. If they have trouble seeing or hearing, navigating stairs or getting on an escalator may be too difficult. Also, think about how they will react to being in large crowds or in unfamiliar spaces.
Be Flexible
While having a planned-out day is great, it’s a good idea to build in time for extra stops and breaks. A tight schedule can add unnecessary stress and frustration for everyone. Plan breaks along the way and stay cheerful when the unexpected happens.
Choose Success
Timing can be everything for success on an outing with your elder. Avoid situations like crowded lunch spots with a single bath stall or using public transportation during rush hour. Will your loved one be able to get in and out of a car easily? Do they need a walker or wheelchair? Will they need help in the bathroom?
If your older adult isn’t used to going beyond their own front door, being in an unfamiliar place can quickly become overwhelming and exhausting. Instead of planning a full day out of the house, opt for a tea date at a local coffee shop or lunch at a quiet cafe nearby. In addition, crowded spaces, loud noises, and lots of moving around will make seniors tired more quickly. Keep the atmosphere in mind as you plan the outing.
Pack the Necessities
Think about the essentials that your loved one will need to have with them during a day away from the house. That might include medication, snacks or meals, bathroom supplies, etc. Also, think about how you’re going to carry everything. If you need to be hands-free to help your older adult, a backpack may be more convenient. Set alarms for any medication or dietary requirements so you can be worry-free for the day.
Have an Escape Plan
Exhaustion. Illness. Bad weather. There are all sorts of reasons to cut a planned outing short. And “just not feeling it” is absolutely a valid reason! Don’t feel like you’ve failed if you and your loved one don’t make it through the itinerary. The goal was to get out of the house and give the outing a try. Things may come up suddenly, but if you have a feeling that your loved one might need to cut out early, let others know. If you’re going out to eat with others, quietly explain your circumstances to the group. And in restaurants, servers can put a rush on food or deliver a check with your meal so you can leave when needed.
There are many things to think about when your elderly loved one wants to get out of the house, but it’s not an impossible task. If you need a companion to help keep your loved one safe and happy, call Visiting Angels of Hurst at (817) 952-3223 to schedule a free consultation today!