Day trip tips for the elderly

Spending time with older relatives brings benefits to everyone. The older generation get to spend time with loved ones, while younger members of the family get access to a wealth of memories and love that they will remember forever. Spending quality time together is amazing, but there are challenges to tackle when it comes to going off on day trip adventures with seniors. In the UK, there are plenty of opportunities for travel, but you will need to give some serious thought to the practicalities. Whether you're a live-in carer of an elderly parent or you simply want to plan a family day trip for your loved ones, here are some essential tips for a better day trip with the elderly members of your family.

Do Your Research

While spontaneity is fun, you shouldn’t hope for the best when it comes to taking the elderly out of their comfort zones. Before you pack your bags and race out of the door, there’s research to be done first. If you don’t do your research, then you expose yourself to potential mishaps that could become health risks. Always consider how much walking is going to be encountered and pay attention to stairs and hills. If the senior you’re with has a wheelchair, then make sure that you have access to all of the locations that you want to visit. Do your research, and your day trip will be much more fun.

Pack Smart

There’s nothing worse than getting to your destination only to find that you left something at home that your older relatives need. Make sure that you know exactly what medications your senior needs throughout the day, and keep them close. If your senior uses a mobility scooter, then ensure that you pack replacement mobility scooter batteries from high-quality suppliers like Discount Scooter. If you forget to pack essential items, then you not only run the risk of having to cut your day trip short, but you might even expose your loved ones to health risks. Take some real time to pack everything that’s needed.

Don’t Hold Back

While there are thousands of organised day trips and activities designed for the elderly, you might find that your senior is put off by the idea. A report in 2013 by the Royal Voluntary Service found that six out of ten seniors would rather avoid those events and activities that were specifically designed for them, and often found them to be patronising. That means that you need to stop looking for their limitations and start looking at the day trips that will excite and inspire them. Get the whole family involved so that everyone has something to look forward to, and don’t assume that just because someone is old that they want to have a sedate afternoon on the seafront. Get adventurous, and they might surprise you with what they can do.

A change of scenery and a break from the daily norm is always a good thing for everyone involved. Make sure that you plan your trip smartly and involve the elderly in the preparations and brainstorming sessions. Take the time to plan your trip well, and you’ll be creating those memories that you’ll always cherish.