No matter who you are traveling with, taking a day trip requires a bit of preparation. We may need to bring snacks for the teenagers, or diapers for the baby. Careful consideration of what will be needed over the course of the day is required, and preparation is key to a successful and stress-free day. This fact is even more pronounced when preparing to take your loved one with dementia on a day trip. Because they have specific needs and may get confused, being prepared is the best way to have a great day with a dementia patient.
Consider the Dementia Patient When Planning
One of the most important things you can do when planning a day trip with a dementia patient is to involve them in the planning process. Depending on their stage of dementia, they are experiencing a loss of control that is frightening to them. Allowing them to have as much input as possible when it comes to planning your day out will help them to feel a sense on independence and more in control. It is also likely to minimize the confusion that they can experience when their daily routine is suddenly interrupted. By talking about the day, allowing them to make choices, and listening to their input, they will be more comfortable when it is time to leave.
Another tip is to plan your day around the mental and physical capability of the dementia patient now, as opposed to how they once were. They may have always loved walking on the beach, but this may be too physically taxing for them at this time. They may have enjoyed going to the movies in the past, but having to sit through a 2 hour movie now may be too much to handle. Take their likes into consideration for sure – just realize that you may not be able to recreate a once-perfect day.
You will also want to manage your own expectations about the day. Flexibility is key when enjoying an outing with a dementia patient. There is simply no way to gauge what their reactions, mood or level of comfort will be once you get going. Ready yourself to be adaptable, and don’t be offended or hurt if they don’t seem to enjoy your choice of activity. After all, the main goal of this day out is to spend time together, and to give your loved one a much-needed change of pace. Enjoy every moment, even if it is not going as expected.
Be Prepared for Medical or Physical Issues
If you are not intimately involved in the daily care of the dementia patient, be sure to speak to their main caregiver to understand when they need to take their medications, and if there are any special requirements – such as if they need to be taken with food. Don’t expect the patient to remember their medications or how to take them – make sure you understand so that nothing goes wrong. Also ask about dietary restrictions, and if you should be armed with certain snacks – such as fruit or nuts – to give them a needed boost on occasion.
If your loved one is not used to being out and about, you may wish to bring a walker or wheelchair – even if they do not normally use one. Sometimes it is difficult to gauge how far they can walk, or when they may get fatigued. Also, if they get confused they may get flustered and panic – being able to give them something to hold onto and giving them a sense of physical safety and balance will help.
There is no reason why a day trip with a dementia patient cannot be a fun and fulfilling one for everyone involved. Planning ahead and speaking with their caregiver for any possible problems or issues will go a long way towards a pleasurable outing – as will your ability to go with the flow and simply enjoy your time.
If you have a family member who is experiencing early signs of dementia and you are looking for a Venice area senior residence, we invite you to consider A Banyan Residence. Our compassionate and skilled staff are here to help you and your loved one deal with this difficult stage of life.
