Going On an Outing With a Senior With Dementia? These 8 Tips Are For You

As we age, we all hope to enjoy a comfortable retirement and spend our days relaxing and playing with our grandchildren. But the chances of getting dementia increase dramatically as we grow older: 1 in 10 people aged 65 or over suffer from it and it’s estimated that one in three seniors will die with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. More people are beginning to recognize the need for dementia nursing care in Miami. There are nursing care providers who provide support for elderly with dementia in Miami, these care homes provide not just nursing care for dementia but also care for Alzhaeimer as well.

This debilitating ailment robs its victims of their memory and makes them lead a totally different life where they’re not able to take care of themselves anymore. This is why caregivers play such an important role at the end phase of the lives of these elderly people who require constant treatment around the clock.

Caregiver burnout is an almost inevitable consequence once caregivers decide to put their own health at risk by taking on this extremely demanding job. And caregivers are the ones who make all the decisions for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s, which can be even more frustrating for patients who cannot do anything to improve their situation.

Going on an Outing

Going on an outing with a senior with dementia can be difficult for caregivers. It can also prove frustrating to caregivers if they don’t know what to expect or the leader doesn’t know how to handle problems that may arise.

What are some tips caregivers should follow when organizing outings with seniors who suffer from dementia?

1 . Prepare Ahead of Time (and Avoid Over-Planning)

It’s important for caregivers to plan ahead before setting out, but it’s equally important not to over-plan. For example, caregivers should look into possible routes and make sure there is transportation available for everyone including the leaders, but it isn’t necessary to map out step by step directions unless this is critical to the adventure. If you find yourself getting too detailed in your planning, you may want to limit the number of stops. It’s also a good idea to let caregivers know ahead what kind of adventure they’ll be on so everyone can dress appropriately and pack accordingly.

2 . Be Flexible (But Keep Things Simple)

It is important to be flexible when going out with seniors who suffer from dementia, but caregivers should make sure not to over do it. For example, caregivers used to taking their loved ones on outings in one place should stick to familiar places if they are planning an outing that takes multiple days or weeks (e.g., driving across country). If caregivers plan something like this, then they should keep things simple by breaking it into shorter trips with well-defined goals at each stop.

3 . Limit Distractions (And Keep Routines)

Caregivers should keep in mind that caregivers trying to plan outings with seniors who suffer from dementia will find it necessary to limit distractions and pay attention to routines. For example, caregivers should make sure their loved ones get plenty of sleep before an outing and caregivers may want to prepare separate bags for each day of the trip rather than packing everything in one big bag that they’ll need to dig through every time they change locations (e.g., looking for a wallet when you’re already late for a meeting).

4 . Look Out For Medication Side Effects

When caregivers plan outings with seniors who suffer from dementia, caregivers need to keep in mind that certain medications can cause tiredness and/or confusion which caregivers should look out for as they go along. Caregivers should also make sure to ask the doctor if their loved one can still take their regular medication while on an outing or schedule a visit with the doctor if caregivers aren’t sure.

5 . Get Involved (If You’re Able)

Caregivers planning outings with seniors who suffer from dementia may want to consider getting involved in some of the planning process, especially caregivers that have prior experience taking care of their loved ones and caregivers that will be doing all of the driving. Of course caregivers need to be careful not to become too distracted by this though because you don’t want to forget about other parts of your responsibilities such as your children or finances.

6 . Keep It Short (Or Make it Fun)

Caregivers need to keep outings with seniors who suffer from dementia short if caregivers notice that their loved ones are getting overwhelmed or caregivers find themselves feeling overwhelmed. Caregivers can also plan shorter trips if caregivers don’t think they’re experienced enough to handle outings that last longer than a day or two. On the other hand, caregivers may want to make outings fun for their loved ones by planning an outing around a special event if caregivers know there will be something going on in your area at the time of the trip.

7 . Be Prepared For Stray Wandering And Keep Emergency Information Handy

When caregivers are planning outings with seniors who suffer dementia , caregivers should keep wandering in mind. For example, caregivers should make sure their loved ones are wearing name tags with any important information caregivers think caregivers will need if caregivers get separated (e.g., phone numbers). They should also carry plenty of snacks and water to avoid wandering around for meals which is very common with dementia sufferers especially when they’re already tired or confused.

8 . Have A Positive Outing With your Senior

When caregivers plan outings with seniors who suffer from dementia, caregivers should keep in mind that it’s important to stay positive throughout the trip. If you find yourself getting upset or angry, then you need to take some time for yourself whether this is during the outing or back at home (or both). Remember, taking good care of yourself will allow you to take better care of your seniors because caregivers will have the energy and patience to do so afterward.

In the end, caregivers should remember to stay positive and remain patient when they’re going on an outing with a senior with dementia.

Conclusion

Try not to get frustrated if their loved ones get confused or overwhelmed, caregivers need to be very careful about medication side effects, and caregivers need to remain sensitive to changes in how their loved ones are acting (such as feelings of tiredness). If caregivers plan their outings carefully and take some time to prepare then caregivers can have a wonderful outing with their loved one suffering from dementia.