Welcome to Alicia’s monthly advice column where she’ll provide tips on caring for a loved one with dementia. Alicia Seaver is the Director of Memory Care at Bridges® by EPOCH and is a certified memory impairment specialist. This month’s topic is making the most of outings.
For people living with memory impairment, staying active and engaged is crucial to maintaining health. Taking your loved one on an outing is one of the best things you can do for them, as it presents an opportunity for exercise, fresh air and stimulation of all the senses.
It’s certainly true that planning outings can present some unique challenges. But with a little vigilance and preparation, you can up the chances of a successful excursion.
Identify and avoid your loved one’s triggers. Just as every person is unique, every memory-impaired individual has unique triggers that can lead to agitation and increased confusion. In some cases, triggers can be time-related, such as the setting sun. In other cases, they’re related to crowds, noises or new technologies. Make sure to take your loved one’s sensitivities into account when planning your outing.
Talk to employees and managers at potential venues. Employees and managers are excellent sources of information and most are happy to help. Call a day or two ahead and explain that you’re considering bringing a memory-impaired guest and ask if the venue can do anything to make the experience easier. Many restaurants and businesses are happy to work with guests and can find creative solutions, such as seating you in a quieter location or prioritizing your order.
Back to the past. Your loved one’s history can be a great source of inspiration when planning a trip. Think about what they did for a living or what their hobbies were and plan an outing that draws from that past. This can help reactivate memories and create a meaningful, enjoyable experience.
Think slow, think simple. It’s usually a good idea to avoid exposing your loved one to a lot of hustle and bustle on these trips. Look for locations with a slower pace, where you can take your time without facing the pressure of large crowds. Nature obviously fits these criteria quite well, and a relaxing trip to the park is always appreciated. But there are plenty of indoor activities you can enjoy as well—a museum, especially on a less busy day, is an excellent place to keep your loved one engaged while moving at your own pace.
The keyword here is “preparation.” By taking your loved one’s needs into account before planning an outing, you can prevent problems before they even arise and have a wonderful time together.
If there is a topic you would like Alicia to discuss, please send suggestions to [email protected].