Numerous studies confirm that 60% of seniors are without regular visitors. Families today get so busy that often times they don’t visit their senior loved ones as often as they should. If I had $1 for every time I hear, “I know I don’t visit as often as I should” from a family member, I would likely be a very rich woman! Yet, I know that it isn’t that families don’t want to visit, but they think they don’t have the skills or tools to bring their loved ones to family events.
If your senior loved one lives in assisted living, we still encourage you to look for ways to experience the summer fun together- especially family gatherings. Just make sure that you cover your bases and have some sensitivity toward your loved ones’ needs.
Here are our Top Ten Tips to prepare for that big outing:
- Meet with the Assisted Living care staff before the big day. Learn about your loved ones’ routine. What foods do they like? When do they nap? What meds are they on? What time do they take them? Are they a fall risk? If so, can you borrow a wheelchair?
- Once you learn about their routine, try to accommodate it as much as possible. If it’s a family picnic, make sure you make a point to bring a nice reclining lawn chair with a blanket for them to take a nap. Bring their meds, and make sure they are administered on time.
- Have them dress in layers- even if it is a warm day. Seniors tend to run colder, and thus, if you are warm, it doesn’t mean they are. Always bring a warm sweater or jacket with you whether they wear it or not.
- Don’t let them walk on uneven ground. Find a place for a picnic that your senior loved one can walk on an even path. ALWAYS walk beside them and let them grab your arm. Not only might they trip and fall if the ground is uneven, but their eyesight might not see as well either.
- Make sure they drink plenty of water and stay hydrated! Hydration is one of the most important components of health in seniors. If they become dehydrated, symptoms of dementia and lack of mobility can escalate as a result.
- Make sure that each one of you share one-on-one time with them. Bring photo albums and share memories of the past. Ask them open-ended questions about their memories and let them talk. (They may not get to do much of that where they live and may be hungry to share with you.)
- Transport them in a car that they can easily get in and out of. A car that is too high or too low can be extremely difficult for a senior.
- Prepare foods that aren’t too spicy or difficult to digest. You might do fine with bratwurst or the latest Indian curry dish, but Mom and Dad might not be able to easily digest things like this. Find out in advance what foods they like and be prepared to feature special items just for them.
- Be prepared to bring them back earlier than you are ready to leave. Have a plan on who will transport them back so that they get adequate sleep and aren’t too exhausted from the event.
- Take lots of pictures and have them printed up for your senior loved one to go through. Chances are, they will want to relive that day with you and your family over and over again.
