Getting outside and enjoying activities with your elderly parent is an exceptional way to boost your care routine with them. Spending time outside together can help to improve their mental, emotional, and physical health, as well as giving you an opportunity to strengthen your relationship so that you can find even more meaning in your care journey together.

August is American Adventures Month.

This is the ideal opportunity for you to plan an outdoor adventure with your senior, but as with anything else in your caregiver journey, it is critical that you plan carefully and prepare thoroughly to make sure that this experience is as fun, safe, and healthy as possible for both of you.

Use these tips to help you plan an outdoor adventure with your senior:

• Choose the destination carefully.

Avoid choosing a destination on a whim.  Make sure that you review all outdoor locations that you are considering so that you can make sure you choose one that is safe and accessible for your senior.  This includes not only making sure that the trails or other features are accessible for your loved one to help them handle their challenges and limitations, but also looking for features such as restrooms that you can access easily.

• Do not overdo it.

When thinking about an outdoor adventure such as a hike, it is important to remember the experience as a whole rather than just one way.  This means not thinking about how far that you will hike to get to your destination but to remember that you need to hike to your destination and then back to the beginning.  Plan for an adventure that will be exciting and challenging, but that will not overextend your loved one.  It is vital that they not get exhausted or injured when on the way, putting them at very serious risk.

• Let others know.

When you are preparing for your outdoor adventure, make sure that you let someone else in your care network know where you intend to go, when you are leaving, and when you plan to return.  This will ensure that there is someone who is not on the adventure is aware of your movements and can provide an extra layer of safety and protection for you.  While you will want to pack a mobile device with you, in the event that this device malfunctions or does not have service, having someone else know where you are can ensure that help can get to you if needed.

Can Elder Care help?

Starting elder care can be an exceptional way for you to boost your senior loved one’s quality of life and encourage them to maintain a lifestyle that is happy, healthy, safe, and comfortable as they age in place.  An elder home care services provider can be with your senior on a schedule that is customized specifically for them.  This ensures that they will get all of the care, support, encouragement, and assistance that they need to manage their individual needs, challenges, and limitations, while also allowing you to stay at the forefront of their care.

The highly personalized services of an elder care provider are designed to help your parent address their needs in the way that is right for them while supporting a lifestyle that is as active, independent, and fulfilling as possible throughout their later years.  As a family caregiver, this can give you greater confidence and peace of mind knowing that your parent is going to be able to live the lifestyle that they desire and deserve while also getting all of the care that they need throughout this new chapter of their lives.

If you or an aging family member are considering home health care in Atlanta, GA, please contact the caring staff at Caring Companions of Atlanta 470-514-5954 .

We provide quality non-medical services to our clients in their homes or in a facility if that’s where they live. Our staff is available for care plans for extensive care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or as little as 4 hours per visit. Reach out to us, and one of our outstanding administrative staff will meet with potential clients to assist them and their families in designing an effective, personal plan of care.