Now that the warm weather is reliably here, your senior patient will be eager to get outside. Consult your calendar, have a discussion and plan appropriate senior summer outings that cater to your senior’s interests and mobility level. Parks are a popular choice, but there are many other venues that can provide a relaxing afternoon and even reduce caregiver stress!
Boating
If you are near a river or a lake, boat tours are an easy way to enjoy the scenery. Some include dinner and music. Large cities with a river often offer architectural cruises so you can enjoy the landscape and the skyline from the comfort of a boat instead of walking all over the city. If your senior enjoys fishing, now is the time to seek out prime fishing spots, either from a boat or from the shore. Many areas allow seniors to fish without a license.
Local Summer Festivals
Summer is festival season in many towns. Check your town’s website and to see if any festivals are of interest to your senior. Also, verify the physical demands of navigating a festival. How far is it from the parking lot? Are there ample benches and restrooms? Do they offer a trolley or golf cart service so you can get around the attractions? Festivals often include musical performances, so if the music is a genre your senior enjoys, find out the show times! Arrive at the venue early to ensure a good seat.
Outdoor Museums
A temperate day is ideal for enjoying an outdoor museum. Pioneer museums are popular with all ages, and many have volunteers who perform indoor and outdoor tasks such as soapmaking and butter churning. Most outdoor museums are ADA (Americans with Disabilities) compliant, so trails are manageable for people who have mobility problems. Most museum areas are wheelchair accessible, and stairs have slip-proof treads and handrails.
Enjoy a Picnic
Everyone loves a picnic, but find a spot with beautiful scenery. Ask your senior which picnic foods he or she prefers and try to incorporate those into your meal.
To ensure your senior’s comfort on any outing, bring an extra sweater for well air conditioned venues and an umbrella if the clouds begin to roll in. Take bottled water and snack food. Offer restroom breaks and time to sit and enjoy the surroundings.
Need Care? Contact David York Agency
For more information about David York Agency’s qualified, compassionate caregivers, please contact us at 608.373.5300. If you’d like to hear more from us, please like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, or LinkedIn.
