Undemanding Outings – Remove the Stress of Caring for your Parent

Caring for an elderly parent who is still residing in their own home is a multi-faceted and on-going task. If you are in this position, you will want to do your best to enhance your parent’s quality of life without becoming exhausted, yourself. In light of this, we’ve put together the following suggestions for outings your parent will enjoy but won’t sap your own energy levels.

First things first

Do a reccy

Wherever you take your parent, visit the destination first – it will make the day out so much more relaxing for both of you. On your ‘reccy,’ do a facilities check:

·      does your destination offer accessible parking, access, and bathrooms?

·      If a wheelchair will be required, is one available at your destination?

·      What is the level of background noise (this may be important if your parent relies on hearing aids).

·      What is the best time of day to arrive (avoiding busy periods can be more restful for you and your parent).

·      If you are attending an event, is your seating situated where you can leave early if you need to?

·      If you are going to a destination (such as a zoo or museum) that offers multiple entertainment opportunities, decide which sections your parent will enjoy most (as visiting all will be tiring).

Be prepared

An outing is more likely to be stress-free if you are prepared for eventualities. Check the weather forecast and ensure your parent is wearing appropriate clothing (take spares if you think they will be required). Pack extra necessities such as hearing aid batteries, a back-up pair of spectacles, and walking aids (if the latter are deemed unnecessary by your parent, popping the walking aids in the boot once your parent is in your car can be a discreet and face-saving way to handle the situation).

Places to go

Heritage museums

These can provide an elderly parent with a link to their childhood and workplace, and stimulate conversation. Be prepared to take your time over exhibits, and listen to your parent’s reminiscences.

Previous homes

Visiting a suburb or township where your parent lived as a child can provide a fascinating outing. If possible, arrange to go inside buildings of significance for them (such as a local community hall, church, or school). Pack a picnic to enjoy at a familiar park.

Botanic gardens

This destination can be visited again and again throughout the seasons. Add to the pleasure of the outing with a surprise meet-up with a grandchild who arrives for a cuppa at the garden’s cafe. Time your visit to coincide with an outdoor performance from a band.

Catch-up

Old friends battling mobility issues often have difficulty catching up. Make your outing a visit to the home of your parent’s friend. While they chat, you can whip up afternoon tea.

Shopping

Everyone loves a little shopping but for an elderly parent, too much all at once can be overwhelming. Instead of heading to the mall, choose a single shop you think your parent may enjoy, and take your time in it before ending the outing with a cafe treat. To make things easier, choose a destination where the cafe is part of the experience (such as a garden centre, book shop, or gift shop).

Park and view

If your parent isn’t able to move far from the car, choose an outing destination (or two) offering plenty of viewing opportunities. These may include car parks above a local seal or bird colony, a busy airport, or a beach. Look for parks and gardens that are possible to drive through, and park where you can enjoy watching children enjoying the playground. Or arrive early at a local market to nab a park which offers lots of people-watching opportunities. Wherever you go, take a flask and some tasty snacks, or pick up a take away from a cafe to enjoy in the car.

Don’t overestimate what your elderly parent requires from an outing. Simply a change of scene and being together can contribute to their quality of life while being undemanding of you.

Previous Articles in this Series

Caring for Elderly Parents – The Hidden Costs

Caring for Elderly Parents in the ‘In-Between Years’

How to Responsibly Share the Care of Older Parents

The Hidden ‘Petty Costs’ of Caring for Older Parents