It has been a long, hot summer, and the temperatures have made it difficult for everyone to spend too much time outdoors. This is especially true for the elderly, but tinges of cool breezes are hinting that the seasons are about to change. With cooler weather comes more opportunities for day trips for everyone – and may be especially welcomed by your loved ones in assisted living and memory care.
No matter who is spending the day outdoors, preparation and thoughtful foresight are needed to bring along anything you may need. But when preparing an excursion or day trip with a family member living with dementia, a little extra planning is needed. Seniors may have physical and emotional needs specific to their age, and dementia patients may get confused and anxious if they find themselves in surroundings they don’t recognize.
Individuals with Dementia Deserve Day Trips
Seniors with dementia deserve a meaningful quality of life as much as anyone, and providing them with beautiful settings and engaging activities is one of the most important things you can do for them. When planning a day trip with a dementia patient, first consider allowing them to participate in the planning process. Depending on how far their illness has progressed, your senior loved one is probably trying to cope with losing their sense of control. Asking them to provide feedback as to how they might want to spend their day can help them feel as though they are not losing independence. Involving them in the planning of your day may also reduce their confusion when their routine is changed. Have frequent conversations about the plans for the day, allow them to choose your itinerary based on what they would like to see, and listen to their desires and preferences. This may make getting into the car a little less confusing when the time comes.
Exploring with dementia patients – even for just day trips – requires planning that takes into account their current physical capabilities, as well as their emotional and mental state. You may think it will be best to bring them to a familiar or favorite place, but this may no longer be practical. For instance, many Florida seniors spent decades visiting the beach – but walking along the sand is no longer feasible. Consider their abilities as they exist now, and consider a workable compromise.
Many favorite locations from the past may have shady areas with benches or walkways and can inspire feelings of comfort and remembrance just by being there. You do not need to take full advantage of every amenity at every venue – just enjoy the scenery.
Being flexible is vital when planning and executing day trips with dementia patients. There is no way to know ahead of time what their reactions, emotions, or moods will be once you leave their familiar surroundings. Manage your expectations, be calm and ready to change your plans if needed, and don’t be offended if your family member doesn’t seem to appreciate what you have planned for them. The main goal is to spend quality time together and to provide your family members with some variety in their daily lives. If the day doesn’t go as planned, it’s okay. Just enjoy your time together.
Anticipate Potential Problems
- If you aren’t involved in the daily care of your family member, consult with their primary caregiver to understand medication dosage as well as any dietary requirements and restrictions.
- If your family member is not accustomed to leaving their residence, bring a walker or wheelchair – even if they do not normally use one. It can be impossible to know how far they will be able to walk or when they may get too tired to continue. If they become disoriented, they may panic. Walkers or wheelchairs offer physical stability, which provides a feeling of overall safety and relief. With a little forethought, day trips with dementia patients can be enjoyable and fulfilling for both of you. The administration at their assisted living or memory care residence will have thoughts and recommendations based on their daily observations.If you have a loved one who is exhibiting early signs of dementia and you are looking for a memory care residence in The Villages, we invite you to consider A Banyan Residence.
