Taking Your Senior On An Outing

As people age and experience sensory and mobility challenges, they tend to remain at home. They lose their confidence as they face their challenges. Their days are often monotonous and dull.

Going on an outing with your senior can be a fun experience for everyone involved. Making plans ahead of time and considering possible experiences and needs can take the surprise out of the journey and increase the pleasure.

1. Planning an Outing

• Be aware of your senior’s specific needs, limitations, and preferences and plan your outing with those in mind.
• Consider your senior’s ability to move, if they need special seating, or how they will navigate necessary steps, elevators, or escalators.
• Consider how well your senior tolerates crowds.
• Will they be able to hear and see well if that is required at your venue of choice.
• Google your destination and determine the accessibility of bathrooms and sidewalks.

2. Take it Slow

• Consider the rate of travel of your senior. Do they move slowly or erratically? Do they need extra time to navigate or to examine their surroundings?
• Plan extra time for unexpected situations.
• Take breaks. The outing won’t be as enjoyable if your senior is overly tired or overly stimulated.

3. Think about your outing in advance

• Consider your senior’s experience within the planned environment. Will it be best to prepare the car in advance? Will you travel by public transportation or a van service? If so, does your senior need and special seating or traveling aids like a cushion or a cane? Will travel be easier with a wheelchair or walker?
• Does your senior do well with crowds, loud noises, and bright lights? If not, plan your destination carefully.
• Make the outing pleasurable for your senior. Take them some place that suits their interests and makes them feel comfortable and engaged.

4. Plan your initial outings carefully

• Venturing out for the first time can be exhausting even before you travel. It is a good idea to make the outing low stress, easy to accommodate, and for a short amount of time. Make the trip easy and pleasurable and then each future trip will be happily anticipated.
• Don’t plan a full day for your first outing. Go for a coffee or tea, or a lunch at a local café.
• Slowly work your way up to spending more time out of the house.

5. Plan based on the weather

• Making sure that your senior is comfortable is critical. No matter how engaging the environment, if a person with lower adaptation ability is uncomfortable, it will take away from the experience. Help them or remind them to choose clothing that fits the outing, wear loser, natural fibers in the summer and dressing in layers for the winter.
• Take an umbrella if there is the possibility of rain.

6. Pack necessities

• As you plan your outing, think about important items you’ll need to pack. Take medication, snacks, and water, and any necessary bathroom items. Pack these in an easy to carry bag.

7. Make a back-up plan

• Think about what you will do if your plans don’t work due to inclement weather, cancelled plans, or your senior’s mood. Changes in plan do not mean a failure. Don’t make a big deal of the situation if you senior gets nervous or changes their mind about going. Letting them realize that they are free to change their plans might take the pressure off for next time.

8. Interesting Places to Go

• Walmart or the Grocery Store
• Park
• Gardens
• Science Center
• Library
• Planetarium
• Movies
• Farmer’s Market
• Coffee shop or tea house

Find a Caregiver to Assist You

Do you or a loved one need someone to help them get out and about? A professional caregiver can be made available, no matter whether you need someone full time, or for just a few hours a week. They can help to do household tasks, help with meals, or provide nursing care. Right at Home will work with you to select the perfect, qualified, professional caregiver to make sure that your loved one’s needs are met. Each caregiver is screened and bonded to ensure professionalism. Our unique five-step process will provide just the right fit for your family. Contact us today at 631.352.0022 and ask for a FREE in-home consultation.