Planning Outside Summer Adventures!
Summer is a time for vacations! We still have some summertime available, so are you planning a vacation? If so, do not forget your grandma and grandpa! Planning a summer adventure that includes your aging loved ones just takes a little planning to ensure they have fun and are safe too!
Your adventure needs to start with a plan, so that their needs are not forgotten and pushed to the side. Their mobility and the physical demands of your events need to be planned for.
Be sure that your grandparents have a private space they can escape to if possible. When families get together it can be loud and confusing, and that can become a trial for some, so providing an escape will improve their enjoyment.
While helping them pack, include an extra change of clothes in case of incontinence. While driving, be sure to ask often if they need to stop for the bathroom. Even if they do not speak up, STOP frequently for them. Otherwise you may be cleaning a car seat (ask how I know this). Include sunblock for their skin, a hat, their medications, comfortable walking shoes, and a sweater to help regulate their temperature.
Finally, be sure to take plenty of photos that include them having fun. Sometimes they may forget about the specifics of the adventure, but photos give them something to show their friends.
Make sure to choose activities that you think your grandparent will enjoy and ones they are able to physically do. Keep them simple and in places that are not too crowded or loud.