Seniors benefit from going on outings and day trips. Leaving their homes is a way for them to feel refreshed and gain new interest in the world around them. However, many seniors feel like going out for small trips is not worth the effort. At Belleville Senior Services in Belleville, NJ, we believe senior care should include helping them leave their house safely so they can experience a higher quality of life. Our adult medical day care facility offers services such as movies, games, and exercise classes for social enrichment. If you want to give your senior loved one memorable time out of the house, remember to put safety first and follow these guidelines.
Activities for Seniors
People have their own preferences for activities on their days out. If you are looking for more ways to get your senior loved one out of their home, consider some of these options:
- An easy nature walk
- A scenic car ride
- A shopping trip to a favorite store
- A visit to a local museum
- A book club meeting
- A musical event, such as a local symphony concert
- Getting a haircut
- Eating ice cream at a local ice cream parlor
You understand your loved one’s abilities, so you can determine if an activity can be done safely. Just remember that seniors are likely to get tired easily, and they may be more susceptible to temperature changes. Also, be sure to look for activities that are easily accessible without the risk of falling.
Planning the Outing
Planning for your trip ahead of time is necessary. You don’t want to get to your destination only to find out it is closed for the day, or it doesn’t accommodate your aging loved one very well. Call to ask questions, or research online. Also, check the weather. You don’t want to expose your loved one to unfavorable temperatures, rain, or high winds.
Bring Along a Bag of Items You May Need
Senior care is all about being prepared. Items that you may need to take with you on your trip may include:
- Medications
- Water
- Snacks
- Tissues
- An extra jacket or sweater
- A hat and gloves
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- A cane or walker
- Umbrella
- Face mask
- Folding chair
- Bandages
- Cell phone charger
- Medical cards
- Basic contact information
Plan to Take Breaks
You want your loved one to have fun, not become exhausted. Because older people tire out quickly, it’s wise to plan plenty of breaks. For example, if you take a walk, stop and sit on a bench or a folding chair afterward. If the day is warm, suggest taking a water break once in a while. For road trips, make sure you stop frequently for trips to the bathroom. Even if you don’t get to see everything you wanted to see or experience, you can be proud that you got your loved one out of the house, and that you took care of them by getting them home safely without overtiring them.
Mobility Challenges
Getting around can be very difficult for many seniors. Exercise for seniors, such as taking walks, should be attempted only with proper assistance. If they are unsteady on their feet, ensure they are using a walker or cane. Offer your arm for assistance, if necessary. Help your loved one get in and out of vehicles. Open doors for them, guide them to the bathroom, carry their bag or coat, and offer your assistance in any way you can.
Helping seniors get out of the house is one way you can let them experience a measure of freedom and independence, but you should also be careful to protect them while they are venturing out.
Searching for Senior Care Help?
If you are looking for adult medical day care services in the Belleville, NJ, area, let us know about your situation. When you contact Belleville Senior Services, we will tell you more about our programs and domestic services. We accept all Medicaid Managed Care Insurances, including Aetna, Amerigroup, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, and WellCare. We give seniors more to look forward to during the day while providing excellent care in our adult medical day care program. Contact us to schedule a free care consultation.