Research has shown that taking regular vacations is good for your mental health. It helps reset your brain, promote happy hormones, and distract your mind from the stress of everyday life. Imagine how much of this will help the elderly in your life? Your grandparents rarely live an active lifestyle, so a short trip should give them a much-needed boost of happiness.
But, to be sure that the trip will be good for you and them, you should consider many things to ensure that everyone will thoroughly enjoy the trip. It can be as simple as driving out of town and having a picnic in a national park or looking at some art in a gallery. You can also visit a relative you haven’t seen in a while. Being social is one of many ways that the elderly can do to stay happy and healthy. For once, they can even spend a day without wearing their senior alert device around their necks.
Things To Do Before Your Trip
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Plan your trip carefully.
It would be favorable for everyone who will join your trip if you plan things before packing up for the journey. Everything is online anyway, so it wouldn’t hurt to spend some time doing some research. Don’t forget to check on the weather to know what to expect and how to dress up comfortably.
If you choose a place you’ve never been to before, you should check some senior-friendly destinations. For areas that might need a reservation, you should also call them to make sure you will have a spot when you arrive.
If you choose a place where you’ve been before, you shouldn’t be complacent, and you should still check things beforehand.
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Ask your grandparents’ opinions.
It would help a lot if you could ask your grandparents what they want to do because it would make planning easier once you know what exactly they are in the mood for. It would also make them feel at ease and happier knowing that they could do something they want. But, if your grandparents are the type who like surprises, you can still give them a bit of a hint. It should still excite them when they have an idea of what you’re going to do.
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Prepare a bag with essentials.
To make sure you wouldn’t forget to put anything important, you can make a list of things you need to bring. The essential things you need to get for your grandparents are medications, prescriptions, food, water, first aid supply, walker or cane, and a change of batteries if they are using hearing aids.
Depending on where you’re going and the activities you’re going to do, you should also consider bringing sunscreen, a change of clothes, and a mobile phone charger.
Things To Remember During The Trip:
So, you’re now on your trip with your grandparents, but there are still many things you should remember to do. Here are some of them:
- Set their expectations about the things you’ll be doing for the day. If there’s a chance that you’re going to a crowded place like a park, let them know so that they wouldn’t be upset.
- Check on them now and then. Make sure your grandparents are not exerting too much effort with whatever you’re doing. Remind them of the medicines they need to drink at a specific time of the day. But don’t overdo it because it might annoy them.
- Offer help whenever it’s needed. It’s common for older people to have some challenges with their mobility so make sure you assist them when walking, climbing stairs, sitting down, and getting in and out of the car.
- Know your grandparents’ limits. Their limit is different than yours, so if you feel like they can’t do everything you planned for them, you can always relax somewhere. Don’t let them overexert themselves. Make sure you have time for small breaks between each activity.
- Ask them if they’re ready to go home. Sometimes even when your grandparents are tired, they want to stay and enjoy the moment with you. And there are times when they would like to be home sooner. Either way, you should know whatever it is they want to do.
All’s Well That Ends Well
These are simple things that you need to remember when you want to go on a day trip with your grandparents or any elderly, for that matter. It may feel like a chore, but it should feel gratifying for everyone when you properly plan things.
