Working with the elderly and how to make your day together successful:
Making Excursions with the Elderly
Hovi Care wants to openly share with the family members of the elderly some ideas about the ways you can make your day successful. This time, in our section: Working with the elderly, we discuss planning and making excursions.
When making an excursion with a senior or an elderly person, it is important to consider their physical abilities, health conditions, and personal preferences to ensure their safety, comfort, and enjoyment.
Here are some important things to consider:
- Mobility: Consider the elderly person’s mobility level and choose a destination and activities that are suitable for their level of mobility. If the elderly person uses a mobility aid such as a walker or wheelchair, ensure that the destination and activities are accessible and have adequate facilities such as ramps and restrooms.
- Health conditions: Be aware of the senior’s health conditions and any medications they are taking. Ensure that they have enough medication for the duration of the excursion and that they have any necessary medical equipment, such as a blood pressure monitor or oxygen tank.
- Climate and weather: Consider the climate and weather conditions of the destination and plan accordingly. If the destination is prone to extreme heat or cold, ensure that the elderly person is dressed appropriately and has access to shade or shelter.
- Comfort and safety: Ensure that the elderly person is comfortable and safe during the excursion. Provide ample opportunities for rest and hydration, and avoid activities that may be too strenuous or physically demanding.
- Personal preferences: Take the elderly person’s individual preferences into account when planning the excursion. Ask them what they would like to do and see, and be open to adjusting the itinerary to accommodate their preferences.
- Communication: Communicate with the elderly person throughout the excursion to ensure they are comfortable and enjoying themselves. This is especially important with elderly with neurocognitive disorders, which may be mild cognitive impairment or late-stage dementia. Check with them regularly to see if they need anything or feel tired or unwell.
Remember, always prioritize the safety and comfort of the elderly person during transfers. If you are unsure of how to transfer someone safely or if the elderly person requires more assistance, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional.
If you want to learn more about working with the elderly and how to make your day together successful, please read our other topics for the subject:
- Getting in touch with feelings
- Safe transfers
- Hydration and fluid intake
- Keeping active at home
- Green Care Activities
- Using Scents
- Social Rehabilitation
- Memory Rehabilitation
Jussi Peltonen
Chair of the board
Hovi Care