Main-AH-logo-Horz-w_gradbox-238x52
 
  • Veterans Programs
    • Veterans Aid & Attendance
  • Services
    • Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care
    • Assisting Hands Connecting Care
    • Hospice Care
    • Hiring an Agency vs. Direct Caregiver
    • Personal Care & Companion Services
    • Assisting Hands Help Alert
    • Coordination of Care
    • Full List of Services
  • About Us
    • Why Assisting Hands of Loudoun
    • Industry Statistics
    • Our Caregivers
    • Hospital Readmission Penalties
  • Employer and Event Screening
  • Careers
  • Blog
  • Areas Served
    • In Home Care Ashburn, VA
    • In Home Care Aldie, VA
    • In Home Care Chantilly, VA
    • In Home Care Belmont, VA
    • In Home Care Brambleton, VA
    • In Home Care Broadlands, VA
    • In Home Care Purcellville, VA
    • In Home Care Middleburg, VA
    • In Home Care South Riding, VA
    • In Home Care Stone Ridge, VA
    • In Home Care Sterling, VA
  • Ask a Question

Blog

Home Blog Tips for Taking a Parent With Dementia on a Picnic
Elder Care in Loudoun VA: Tips for Taking a Parent With Dementia on a Picnic

Tips for Taking a Parent With Dementia on a Picnic

September 7, 2017Lillian FunkBlog, Elder Care in Loudoun VA, Outings with a Dementia Sufferer

You want to take your dad out for a nice afternoon picnic, but he has dementia. While a family picnic is going to be more challenging, it’s not impossible. Follow these tips for a fun day out.

Carefully Choose Your Location

Dementia comes with many symptoms. One thing you may notice is that your dad cannot sit still. He sits down and is back up and pacing around in a matter of minutes. He starts cleaning the kitchen, forgets what he’s doing, and goes to do laundry instead. Sitting still seems impossible for him.

When you’re on a picnic, he’s not likely to sit still. You’ll need eyes on him all the time. The area is not likely to be familiar to him, so he could get lost. Picking a park with a fenced in picnic area helps prevent him from wandering off. A smaller, less crowded park is ideal. If you go to a busier park or zoo, he may get lost in the crowd, which makes it harder to locate him.

Pack Snacks and Finger Foods Rather Than Whole Meals

Most patients with dementia don’t eat big meals. They snack throughout the day. Finger foods are often the first food a person with dementia chooses. Pack finger sandwiches, vegetables with a dipping sauce, fresh fruit, and other smaller items. Make sure anything perishable is packed in ice.

Slather on the Sunscreen

Many medications taken by the elderly increase sensitivity to the sun. These medications include antibiotics, antidepressants, antihistamines, diuretics, heart medications, and pain relievers. Make sure your dad is covered in sunscreen and has a seat in the shade. Even if he’s not on a medication that increases the sunburn risk, the elderly are prone to heat exhaustion and should be monitored carefully.

Stay Hydrated

Your dad needs plenty of water when he’s outside in the sun. Keep large bottles of water handy and refill it often. If he doesn’t seem interested in drinking plain water, adding frozen fruit or slices of lemon and lime may make it more appealing.

An extra person can be a huge help when taking your dad on a picnic. Caregivers not only provide companionship, but they also have training helping keep your dad calm. Elder care professionals offer many dementia care services like meal preparation, cleaning, bathing, and grooming.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Loudoun, VA, please contact the caring staff at Assisting Hands today. (703) 982-0050.

  • About
  • Latest Posts

Lillian Funk

Latest posts by Lillian Funk (see all)

  • How Do You Know If It’s Time for Home Care Assistance? - July 1, 2022
  • The Best Stroke Prevention Tips For Seniors - June 24, 2022
  • The Top Five Reasons to Arrange Home Care for Your Dad - June 17, 2022
Tags: Elder Care in Loudoun VA
Previous post Osteoarthritis: Your Mom Has It, So What Can You Do to Help? Next post Six Lewy Body Dementia Facts You May Not Know

Related Articles

Tips to Help Someone Who Knows They Are Losing Their Memory

May 6, 2022Lillian Funk

Do You and Your Aging Adult Need to Talk about Exercise?

August 31, 2018Lillian Funk

What Can You Do When You Need to Relax Quickly?

March 17, 2017Lillian Funk

Recent Posts

  • Technology that Enables Aging in Place September 22, 2023
  • What Are the Benefits of Exercise Beyond Boosting Physical Health? September 8, 2023
  • Does Alzheimer’s Only Affect Elderly People? August 18, 2023
  • Healthy & Flavorful Hydration Ideas for Seniors August 4, 2023
  • Why Is It Healthy for Older Adults to Go Hiking? July 21, 2023
chat-icon

Read Our Newsletter

Read More
Facebook
Twitter
apache_pb

Download Our Brochure

Download
logo

assisting hands

Assisting Hands Home Care provides elder care services and senior in home care services for families across the country.

  • (703) 982-0050
  • [email protected]
  • 20130 Lakeview Center Plaza, #400, Ashburn, VA 20147
  • Google Business Profile

COMPANY

  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Contact Us
  • Services
  • Areas Served

Services

  • Additional Services
  • Aging In Place
  • Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care
  • Coordination of Care

legal

  • Hospital Readmission Penalties
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Accessibility Statement
Places to View Us On The Web

2020 Assisting Hands Home Care. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED