As you provide care for your elderly loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, you strive to deliver the quality of life he deserves as he negotiates this progressive disease that increasingly takes away his ability to care for himself safely. In addition to providing care at home, assisting him in attending events he loves, checking in at important doctor appointments, and visiting with family are important parts of your caregiving. An Alzheimer’s care provider can be a great companion to have on outings.
How Being Active Helps Your Elderly Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease
Remaining active is a crucial part of your loved one’s care. Staying active can help alleviate symptoms as well as slow the progress of other aspects of the disease.
Some ways regular activity helps your loved one include:
- Improving sleep at night
- Reducing the chance of him becoming constipated
- Helping him to keep a positive mood
- Strengthening key muscles through regular movement
- Reducing the likelihood of falls because of stronger muscles and coordination
- Lessening the likelihood of behaviors such as wandering or rummaging
Four Tips for Keeping Your Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease Safe while on an Outing
The key to a good outing is that it is safe, enjoyable, and produces a positive experience. You can increase the likelihood of a good outing by following these four tips.
If possible, plan outings for the time of day when your loved one is the most alert and connected with the world around him. If he is at his best in the morning, that will be the best time to head out and enjoy an activity together.
Your loved one will enjoy doing things he is familiar with more than trying new things or places. If your loved one had a favorite lake he liked to walk around during his younger years, he might find comfort and joy in seeing it again. It can even help him spark some memories and share those with you.
Keep outings on the shorter side. If you want to go shopping, don’t try to go to all of the stores on the same trip. Just plan for one and do the others later.
Be flexible. An outing might need to end abruptly. Don’t take it personally and be ready to calmly stop what you are doing and try another day.
How Alzheimer’s Care Providers Can Support You
Traveling with a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be complicated. While you might find that you don’t have too much trouble keeping him focused on where he is going and what he should be doing, you are struggling with managing everything else! Your loved one may require so much of your attention, that you are struggling to follow directions, prepare food for the two of you, or even grab a quick bathroom break of your own.
An Alzheimer’s care provider can be helpful to have on outings, even if your outing is simply a quick trip to the local zoo or park. With someone to help you with Alzheimer’s care of your loved one, you can share the responsibilities and take turns helping your loved one throughout his outing. With the care and assistance of an Alzheimer’s care provider, you’ll find that both you and your loved one will enjoy the outing more and be able to plan the next one with less fear and trepidation.