Going on outings is a great way to get your senior loved one out of the house and into public areas where he or she can socialize. Many seniors are able to enjoy day trips to nearby venues when they have assistance from caregivers or family members. If your loved one is bored with the same old routine, try these ideas for finding places to go in your community.
1. Look at Your Community’s Recreation Schedule
Many communities have parks and recreation departments that plan activities specifically for seniors. These activities may involve doing things such as arts and crafts, or they may be special events such as dances or dinners. Check the recreation department’s website for upcoming activities your loved one might enjoy. As you do, keep in mind he or she may enjoy doing mixed-aged events. For example, your loved one might want to cheer on marathon runners from the sidelines.
2. Inquire at Local Colleges
Local schools may also offer things for seniors to do. Your loved one might enjoy watching a college theater group perform a play, or your parent may want to attend a homecoming event. Many colleges also offer continuing education courses that are designed to keep seniors learning. A one-day cooking class or computer lesson can turn into an educational opportunity that inspires your loved one to explore future outings that fit his or her new interest.
If your loved one needs help with transportation and companionship for outings or social activities, a home caregiver can be a great resource. Elder care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
3. Explore Family-Friendly Venues
You can also think about outings you enjoyed with your parent years ago. Going to the zoo, a science museum, or a sports event will bring back fond memories. Your loved one will also be better able to maneuver through a major facility that stays up to date on the best practices for accessibility.
Planning outings and making the necessary arrangements for a senior can be an overwhelming task. If you’re the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality homecare, Amarillo Heroes Home Care can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age.
4. Stay Alert for News about Upcoming Events
Scanning the local news for upcoming events can introduce you to ideas for outings that only happen a few times a year. A local charity might be hosting a craft show nearby, or there might be a local outdoor music festival you can attend. An upcoming event could even be as simple as visiting the newest restaurant in town or checking out a newly opened shop.
5. Ask Other Families in Your Area
Talking to other families gives you insights into potential outings so you can make sure they’re right for your loved one. Reach out to other family caregivers to ask them what they enjoy doing with their older loved ones. Since they’ve already visited the venues, they can tell you if your loved one might face difficulty going up stairs or if there are plenty of accessible restrooms. Knowing how senior friendly an outing may be can help you decide how much assistance you need to bring along.
Seniors living with mobility limitations or progressive health conditions often need extensive assistance, both inside and outside the home. For many seniors in Amarillo, TX, 24-hour care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Heroes Home Care, we extensively screen all of our live-in and 24-hour caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness. To learn about our high-quality in-home care services, give us a call at (806) 803-9991 today.