Of course it is! We break it down.
Getting your disabled or elderly loved one out of the house and into the community is a big job. It must be scheduled when the weather is reasonably good. The timing has to work; it has to be between meals. It has to work around the usual nap time.
It requires planning. You or whoever is taking her on the outing have to take things along. Drinks, supplies, money, etc. You have to think about transportation. Will you walk? Will you order an Uber or reserve free transportation from the city? You need to schedule time for getting ready and getting out the door. Things cannot be rushed. The individual’s clothing must be chosen beforehand; accessories and makeup must be taken care of.
You will need to know if it is a safe facility. You will have to focus on knowing where t he bathroom and exits are. You will want to settle her a few minutes early before the program, performance, or meeting is scheduled to begin. Getting her there is just one of many steps involved in the process.
Is it worth it, you may ask yourself. It may be an hour-long program and the before will take approximately two hours of preparation, transportation, and settling in. Then there is the program and then a bathroom trip to be followed by transportation home. It’s half a day.
The interaction, entertainment, and engagement for the one hour is truly worthwhile. And so is the preparation beforehand and the return home process. It’s stimulation, socialization, and an antidote to loneliness. It’s an activity that is anticipated and relished afterwards, even if your patient gets tired out. All will advise you to insist that your aide take the individual out twice a week besides for medical appointments. The mental and physical benefits are substantial, even if the outing is only to a library, walk in the neighborhood, senior citizen program, or grandchild’s school event.
So how can you make this big job easier? First, develop a checklist with the aide that will outline what has to happen beforehand. This would include things like preparing an outfit the day before, putting the bag with necessities near the front door, confirming the date and time of the program, event, and location, taking necessary meds beforehand, and arranging transportation. Making sure mobility aids are ready and the home is locked should be on the list.
It’s always smart to develop a calendar with planned outings so that there is a visual reminder. The aide will also encourage the senior to anticipate the event if it is calendared. There can also be a second calendar of choices of outdoor and indoor activities per day which will give alternatives if the weather turns inclement or transportation doesn’t materialize. Having suggestions ready is always a great idea and a productive alternative to watching TV. It should include outdoor jaunts and programs as well as indoor crafts, games, and decoration projects for upcoming holidays.
Do invest in the preparation so that your senior can have as many outings as she possibly can. Try to streamline the process so that it is easier with systems that work for her. And get her out the door to see, meet, experience, and live!
Other articles on home care, caregiving and CDPAP:
- How do be the Boss in your CDPAP
- How to talk to your Senior about Driving
- CDPAP, why a designated representative might be the answer
- What do I need to know about Guardianship for a Senior?
- How to assess a senior home cor safety: Age in Place Part 1
- I want CDPAP but I can’t find a PA
- The Afternoon of Life
