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Most elderly love to go on trips, some just to get out of the house and others just want to have people to talk to. What ever the reason it can be a fun and enjoyable time if a few steps are taken. A trip to the beach, to view the foliage, historical places, sight seeing, apple and berry picking, Christmas lights is one of my favorites, farms, parks, mountains, hay-rides, zoo, fairs, home town events and yard sales are just a few. Below are a few steps to take to make your trip with the elderly or what some call our senior citizens a success.
Plan - Plan your trip well, know how to get to where you want to go. Keep a map in the car or van. Know where rest-rooms and restaurants are located. Keep an eye out for Hospital signs in case of emergencies. Know the times of special events that you want to see. Be sure to gas up the night before. Have a safety inspection on your car or van.
Flyer - Plan ahead, give your elderly plenty of notice about your trip. A fun way is to give them a flyer or invitation. Make an appointment card for reminders, give a small calendar with the date marked. What ever you decide on be sure to have the date, time and place you will be going and any important information that is needed.
Handicapped - Parking in handicapped zones will require a handicap pass. When making arrangements for activities be sure to inquire about handicapped accessibility for parking, bathrooms, exits, elevators, ramps and if need; make sure that there are wheelchairs available.
Notebook - Keep a notebook or small tablet handy for important information. Write each persons name, address, phone number and emergency numbers and physician.
Helpers - Be sure to bring help with you. There will be times when the elderly will need help to the restroom, especially in a unfamiliar place. Some may have to be waited on, order may need help with their meals and some helped in and out of car or van. If you have any elderly in wheel chairs, you will need helpers to push the wheelchair. Some may just want to sit on a bench, so you will need someone to sit with them.
Family - There may be times when you will have to let their family members know where you are going, the time you will leave and return and the place you will be visiting if possible.
Roll Call - Take roll call every time you get in or out of the car or van. Be sure to count heads, ask who is missing. Never let an elderly person go anywhere alone while on your trip. Be sure that you go in a group or a helper is with an individual.
Clothing - The elderly tend to get cold even when others are not. Be sure that they bring along a sweater or jacket. Remind them to wear comfortable shoes if you will be walking any distance. A sun hat may be advisable. Keep a lap blanket in the car or van.
Medicine - Most elderly are on some kind of medication. Remind them to bring their medication along in case it is needed while away. Especially in cases where you may not return on schedule. Write in your notebook each persons name, medication, amount to take and what time it is to be taken. Keep an Emergency kit and First Aid kit in the car or van.
Money - Be sure your seniors know ahead of time any expenses that they may incur during their trip such as tickets, passes, gifts, souvenirs and of course food.
You may have to inquire before leaving to make sure they have their money with them. It’s easy to forget when trying to be ready on time. Remember that some elderly are on fixed incomes, so be sure your trips are inexpensive but exciting.
Food - Remember when stopping to eat that some elderly are on strict diets. Be sure to know of any food allergies, diabetics and any special foods that they may need. Be sure to bring crackers, cookies, candy, orange juice and water in case it is needed. If possible make reservation at a place you know would be suitable. Stop at restaurants that are clean, safe and inexpensive.
Restroom - Some elderly may want to make occasional pit stops along the way. In order for them to be more comfortable make frequent stops without asking. Be sure to advise everyone that if they need to stop to let you know also.
Reminders _ The night before and in some cases; the morning of the trip you may have to call as a reminder. Let the person know what time you will be there.
It may not be as important as to where you go as it is that you have fun. Following some simple rules makes for a safe, pleasant and rewarding time. Have fun and enjoy your trips with the elderly.
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