No one enjoys spending all their time stuck at home. It can make them feel restless and lonely. However, many older adults have difficulty getting out of the house on their own, so they spend most of their time in their houses alone. However, it’s entirely possible for seniors to go on enjoyable outings with caregivers with a little planning. Below are some tips for caregivers to use when going on an outing with their elderly family member.

Take Special Needs into Consideration

When planning an outing, caregivers should keep in mind any limitations the older adult has. For example, if they have mobility issues, going to a building with a lot of stairs may be a bad idea. Or, perhaps places with a lot of noise and activity are confusing because of dementia. You may have to do a little research if you’re unfamiliar with a place, but that could eliminate unpleasant surprises.

Don’t Plan Too Much

Older adults may not move as quickly and could tire out easily, so be careful not to plan more than they are capable of doing. That could lead to disappointment for both the senior and their caregiver. In fact, it’s better to plan too little and add in a surprise activity if the senior is up to it than to wear them out trying to do too much.

Plan for the Weather

Even if the outing will mainly take place indoors, it’s still important to take the weather into consideration. Make sure the older adult is dressed properly and wearing shoes that are comfortable and will prevent slipping. Don’t forget to bring along sunscreen for outdoor outings. Caregivers may also want to bring extra clothing for the senior in case they get cold and need another layer.

Pack for the Occasion

Pack a bag with all of the items the older adult might need during the day, like medication, sunscreen, or special eating utensils. Think about how you’ll carry the bag, too. If you need both your hands free to assist the senior, you may want to use a backpack.

Set Reminders

The fun of being out of the house could result in forgetting important tasks, like taking medication or eating on schedule. Setting reminders on your smartphone can prevent missing doses of medication or throwing blood sugar off by forgetting to eat.

Be Flexible

Be prepared for changes of plan. In spite of all your planning, you may get to a venue and discover it’s not exactly what you thought it would be. Or, the older adult may become tired sooner than you expected. Your plans may abruptly change, and you may have to abandon the outing without doing all that you planned.

If you or an aging loved one are considering caregivers in Sugar Land, TX, contact the caring staff at Personal Caregiving Services at 832-564-0338. Providing Care in Houston, Bellaire, West University Place, Katy, and Sugar Land and the surrounding areas