Dementia is a disease that refers to an impairment in the way someone thinks and remembers things. Approximately 6 million Americans today are struggling with this disease. It impacts how they make decisions and do all the things in a day that we take for granted.
Dementia care during a holiday or even an overdue visit can feel troubled or burdened, but it doesn’t have to be. You can still make these times special for them without having to worry if they will remember something.
When you are wondering what to do for your friend or loved one in dementia care, try these gift and visiting ideas that will put smiles on both of your faces.
Why It’s good for mental and physical health
It’s nice for seniors to get away from their daily lives and see new places. These trips also let them meet new people their own age and try new things.
It has been found that older people can be smarter and happier if they try new things and spend time with other people.
Plus, there’s proof that the exercise seniors do on these trips, like taking slow walks on the beach or gentle yoga classes, can make their health and movement better.
This blog post’s goal is to help adults who need care come up with ideas and plans for these trips. Friends, family, and caregivers of older people can use it to help them plan trips that are fun, different, and fit their needs and hobbies.
There are suggestions for places to stay, things to do, and trips for seniors in this blog post. The goal is to make sure that they get the care and help they need while on their trips.
#1. Things to think about when planning
Trips for Seniors Who Need Care: Family members and helpers need to keep a few important things in mind when they plan trips for seniors who need care.
To begin, it should be simple for older people to get there and have all the tools and comforts they require. Second, activities should be made to fit their hobbies and skills so they feel like they are part of the fun and are skilled.
It’s important to plan ahead when looking for places for adults to stay, like whether the place is wheelchair-accessible or close to medical services.
Caretakers can make sure that seniors get the help and care they need while also getting the health and movement benefits of these trips by giving these things a lot of thought.
#2. Places to Go at Home
Before you book a local trip for an older person, you should think about what they can and can’t do. It is very important to pick beautiful places to stay that are also easy to get to by public transportation.
Also, museums, parks, and cultural events that have lots of activities and sites that are good for adults can be very fun and educational.
Being careful to choose local places with these things in mind can help caregivers make sure that seniors have memorable and fun trips that fit their needs and interests.
#3. Vacation Spots Abroad
Conversely, caretakers organizing journeys to foreign nations must consider language barriers, medical care, and the duration of their sojourn.
If an adult is required to travel, they should visit a location with a reputable medical facility that can address any issues that may arise during their sojourn.
Individuals responsible for the care of senior citizens should acquire knowledge of the country’s regulations, traditions, and way of life in order to ensure their well-being and security.
Aides can take these steps to ensure that senior citizens enjoy a stress-free trip while having a memorable experience and learning about other cultures.
#4. Ways to Make Your Trip Better
Aside from learning about healthcare and traditions, there are a few other things that seniors can do to enjoy their trip more.
The people who care for seniors should plan ahead and make sure they have all the medicines, medical supplies, and movement aids they might need while they are moving.
Plus, it’s smart to stay in places that are good for seniors, like hotels with rooms that are easy for seniors to get to or vacation homes with lifts and stairs.
And finally, people who care for seniors should make sure they have an open routine that lets them do things they enjoy and rest.
#5. Things to Keep in Mind
It’s natural to want to bring a gift or care package to someone you are visiting who is in dementia care or thinking about it.
The most ideal things to do for them will stimulate socialization with you or make them comfortable.
You may want to bring nostalgic items that will help foster remembrance. Even a Fourth of July wreath that was a family favorite can be a game-changer for their entire summer season.
There are ways to help them feel the good that you want them to feel without feeling like you are overstepping or making them feel like a burden themselves.
It doesn’t have to be a memorable gift. You can do or bring something that is comfortable, like lounge clothes that they like that can be hard to find.
Gifts that have a sensory attachment to them can also help them feel good in that moment.
Gifts with a tactile component to them can also provide a simple pleasure that lets them know that you care.
Here are some more specific ideas to help.
#6. Photos, Scrapbooks, and Mementos
Gifts or care items that help with memories are often encouraged for people in dementia care or thinking of dementia care. They aren’t always completely memory-free; it just may feel like that to us sometimes.
It can feel like that to them too. Anything that can help your loved one remember anything helps them feel accomplished, like they haven’t completely lost their memory.
It makes for a fun visit, too! You still have fond times together, and this is why they are your loved ones.
Something like photos or mementos can give you something positive to enjoy during your visit. It doesn’t have to be something extravagant. Even an elegantly framed photo can change their day on a dime.
#7. Music, Movies, and Books
Entertainment is something your loved one actually needs. They need it to fill time, and if they can concentrate on a book or movie, it’s another thing that helps them feel productive.
Music can be another thing that helps trigger memories and bring comfort as well. You might also consider some sleep audio files or even books on audio.
Gift cards for any of these items can be useful as well. This gives them the power to make decisions about what would be the best gift for them.
#8. Invest With Time
Giving your loved one time during a holiday or celebratory day can be just as thoughtful and beneficial as an actual gift.
Think of things that will help them feel productive but also relaxed enough to inspire a smile. Investing in time and a small visit is the best way to love someone who is in dementia care.
For the Latest Health Updates and information about dementia care, visit CRECSO NEWS Magazine.