Seniors and retirees who partake in adult day programs can reduce feelings of isolation, which tends to be a widespread phenomenon in many cities. It gives seniors the opportunity to contribute to the community,emphasising
Suitable Activities for Day Outings
There are several activities that you and your family can partake in. What’s most important is that the elderly family member spends time participating, alleviating feelings of loneliness. Some of these activities include:
- Outings to surrounding cities or community centres. Many assisted living facilities have day programs for seniors, with excursions usually aiming for local gardens, parks, and green ways. Community gardens are also popular places, as horticulture therapy has been known to help those with cognitive impairment or feelings of mild pain.
- Games. Cognitive enrichment can be gamified, leading for a fun, engaging day. If appropriate, these can be excursions to card games or bingo facilities, giving seniors the opportunity to meet up with friends and experience a bit of fun competition.
- Fitness classes. Light exercise can help those who are suffering from obesity, reduce the risk of falling, and fracturing bones. It has a long-term effect, lessening the chance of fatalities stemming from heart disease, certain forms of cancer, and diabetes.
Travelling Tips
- Research to reduce headaches. Travelling should be fun, exciting, and a relatively low-stress event. Careful planning and preparation will ensure just that. For example, it may be feasible to take a train like Amtrak if you need a mobility aid, as it can accommodate most devices. If flying is required, then consult your doctor and ensure that any medication won’t have an adverse reaction while up in the air.
- Arrange your medication before heading out. Transportation staff for day programs will be cognisant of medical requirements, with most being accommodating. However, there may be no obligation on their part. You can request for staff to remind a parent about their medication at certain times. Alternatively, you can provide an alarm watch.
- Documentation for prescription drugs. Carry with you a copy of any prescriptions that you have. In case you are questioned and stopped by an authority figure, you’ll be able to claim your medications and reduce the chance of them being confiscated under extreme circumstances.
- Plan for security checkpoints. If an elderly parent has a surgical hip or knee implant that utilizes metal, then inquire about security points. A lot of the time you may be expedited as these metal devices can potentially set off alarms. To avoid any delays, get a letter from a family doctor or physician explaining the implanted steel.
- Choosing the right senior day program often means that you are comparing several options to ensure compatibility. Speak with a coordinator and ask about limitations and a possible tour of the facility to ensure that the day program is the right choice for you and your family’s needs.