Going Out with Seniors Who Suffer From Dementia
Going out with someone who has Dementia can be a frightening task. Like everyone, seniors will struggle with good and bad days. When you work, care for, or live with someone who has Dementia, it can be a challenge to remain flexible in your care. You may get frustrated with your loved one in public, and it can be challenging to respond kindly when they make a scene in public. If you find it unnerving to go out with your mom or dad in public, it is time to consider hiring home care professionals to help out.
Home care assistance may help your loved one get ready before an outing, help get them fed, bathed, and more. They may be able to help set the tone before going out, and they can help lighten the mood, making the outside experience good for both you and your senior. Here are some more tips you can think about before taking your senior loved one out.
Carry a Bag Filled With Supplies
When you think of a to-go bag, you may not be sure what to keep in it. The truth is you need to be prepared for multiple situations and have a bag that's reachable. This bag should be filled with water, snacks, clothes, a booklet with emergency contact information, medications, wipes, tissues, magazines, and more. Sometimes packing comes with an experience of the past, and other times you may not know what you'll need to make the outing easier. However, this is an excellent base to start with.
Choose Family Friendly Places Good for Dementia Places
In many cases, companies are not sympathetic when your loved one demonstrates conduct that is not socially acceptable, and they ask you to leave. This can seem mean and cruel and may frustrate you because you are getting treated differently. If at all feasible, support businesses whose personnel have undergone specialized training in dealing with people suffering from Dementia and the caregivers who care for them. Consider how your elderly loved one will act at the location you want to visit. An overabundance of people and sights in crowded areas (such as eateries, movie theaters, and amusement parks) may be debilitating. Consider where you're going before you book a trip or reservation. It is unfair to assume your loved one can sit through a fancy dinner; they may have once enjoyed it but can no longer enjoy the experience.
Be Prepared to Explain
When something sets off your loved one, and they become enraged, it is easy to become stressed and angry right along with them. It is challenging caring for someone with Dementia, and you need to remain calm. Bystanders won't understand until you explain the situation to them. But to do this well, you need to take deep breaths before you try talking.
Talk to Your Loved One In Advance
Seniors with Dementia are not children, and often they will understand that there are plans in place. Ask them how they feel before you take them out and give them advance notice of the activities. Oftentimes if they're excited about going, it will help the outing more than you could imagine.