Getting Out And About: Change is as good as a Rest!

If you are caring for the elderly in any capacity then you will understand the importance of them having a change of scenery.  It is important for your mental health, your physical health and your emotional well being.  Variety is the spice of life however more important than that change is as good as a rest.

Routine is important but change can provide revitalization in many ways. The same four walls may well be the only environment a senior sees for days on end. If physically able, getting out would help their mental health. With a little planning, outings can be a fun and welcome distraction from their routine as well as helping their progress if they are in recovery from an illness.

If you do plan on taking the senior in your care on an outing then being well prepared before the actual day comes can alleviate stress on both parties. Spontaneity may not be the best option when heading our on an outing because of the amount of bases that you must consider before you take him or her out. First, ask them if they really do indeed wish to go and is this activity suitable for the individual in you care. For example, taking an individual in a wheelchair swimming without the local pool having special disabled facilities is not a great idea.

Taking walks in the park or around the local area, shopping and day trips are excellent outings to take seniors in your care on. All of them give the senior a sense of freedom, which is something that their deteriorating state may have already stopped them from doing. A sense of contentment and comfort as well as soothing boredom is the objective here however; take into consideration the intended location can accommodate the senior’s needs. Do they have wheelchair access? Can you park easily? How accessible are the toilets? All of these questions and many more have to be answered before you arrange anything.

Finding a centre dedicated to seniors that has the capability to care for their physical needs and offer activities may also be an option.  Look for a centre that has a variety of options available and caters to their interests, one that offers qualified staff and offers you as a caregiver the opportunity to be a part of their enjoyment.  This may also be a good opportunity for you to enjoy some quality time for yourself, get some errands accomplished while knowing your senior is taken care of.  Check out Full Life Centre www.fulllifecentre.com which has many ammenities for the entire family.

Before leaving the house, you must make sure that you are prepared for any eventuality. All medications should be taken with you just in case you are still out when they are required to be administered. Carrying snacks in your bag and dressing appropriately should be considered. Take into consideration that seniors may feel the cold more than you do, therefore dressing in layers may be appropriate. Creating a checklist ahead of time that you can use over and over again will assist you both in preparation and enjoyment of all of your outings together and never have you forgetting anything. 

There may be times where you need someone else with you for a trip, calling on an agency to accompany you can alleviate your stress and enhance enjoyment as a professional caregiver can take care of the needs while you enjoy each other and the outing.  Because, there can be so many details you need to consider before you go it may be relaxing for the senior in your care, but it will not be the same for you. You will be on guard, watching for hazards and anticipating any problems before they actually occur. Having said that, your reward will come from actually seeing the pleasure on the face of the person you care for. There is no better feeling in the world than seeing someone you care for smile knowing they are enjoying themselves.

Outings really do make a nice change for the elderly people that you are caring for and should be integrated into your routine on a regular basis. The feelings that outings provoke are generally all positive, which ultimately will help you get through the preparations. Everyone needs to get out once in a while and seniors are no different so take the opportunity for them!

For assistance with accompaniment to appointments, outings and caregiver relief, T&E HealthPros is there to help you. 

Call 905.665.0518