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Planning a Long Day Out with Your Senior

Don’t let long days scare you away from enjoying this time with your loved one. Being prepared will help you both have a wonderful time. Here are some tips.
Elder Care Summit NJ - Planning a Long Day Out with Your Senior
Elder Care Summit NJ - Planning a Long Day Out with Your Senior

As the weather gets warmer and days get longer, you’ll start to see more events pop up on your calendar that may be all-day-long events. It could be a graduation party for a nephew that lives two hours away or it could be a large family reunion picnic. Elder care providers can help with preparing your elderly loved one for the event

Whatever the event is, if you plan on bringing your elderly loved one, here are some tips to help ensure your loved one stays healthy, safe, and comfortable throughout the day.

Bring plenty of clothes

Elder Care Summit NJ – Planning a Long Day Out with Your Senior

Late spring and early summer days often fluctuate temperatures quite a bit. The mornings and evenings may have a slight chill while the afternoons feel hot. One of the best ways to be prepared with your senior is to have her bring layers. Ask her elder care provider to pack up a bag that will provide a sweater for a chillier evening, a hat for bright sunshine, and an extra pair of shoes just in case her feet get tired. If your loved one has incontinence, packing an extra pair of pants can be helpful as well just in case she needs it.

Bring medications

If your loved one has medications she has to take throughout the day or with meals, don’t forget to pack them up and bring them along for the day. It can also be helpful to bring non-prescription medication if she suffers from any uncomfortable medical conditions such as frequent headaches, indigestion, or allergies. It’s better to pack them and be prepared than to have her feel miserable for most of the day.

Bring snacks or drinks prepared by her elder care aide if she is on a restrictive diet

If you don’t know what’s being served, but your loved one has a gluten allergy, make sure to bring food that she can eat while gathered with others. Depending on where you’re going, you might be able to request a specific food, but at graduation parties and weddings, you often have a limited selection. Be prepared beforehand by having your elder care provider pack up a meal or snacks for your loved one while you’re enjoying the day.

Bring napping materials and a comfortable chair

Your loved one may not need a nap, but if it’s a long day, she might need a bit of rest in the middle of it. It doesn’t hurt to pack a small pillow, a blanket, and maybe something to shade her eyes so if she needs to take a short nap after the big family meal, she can find a quiet place to rest for an hour. That way she’ll be more likely to be able to last until the evening with her family and friends. Your elder care provider can pack up a little bag for her to throw in your trunk just in case she needs it.

If your event is outdoors, such as a parade or a picnic, bring a travel chair specifically for your loved one so she doesn’t have to try to sit on the curb or a blanket. It’ll help her be much more comfortable.
Don’t let long days scare you away from enjoying this time with your loved one. Being prepared will help you both have a wonderful time.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Elder Care Services in Summit NJ, call the caring staff at Helping Hands Home Care today at 908-418-4299.

Robert D'Arienzo

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