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It really depends on their mobility and mental capacity. When Mom was a little younger, she liked going to historical sites and museums. She loved eating out...we would go to "elder friendly" restaurants like Applebees. I would take her to the mall on quiet days, like in the middle of the week. She still likes drives especially now that the weather is better. And ice cream shops were always a sure winner.
As time goes on, it gets more difficult getting them out for anything. If your family member is in good health now, do as much as you can with them.
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Hello style44. Lilliput has some great suggestions and I would just like to add that senior centers are also a good place for fun. I have visited many and they have lots of great elder activities. Some have classes, swimming pools, and pool tables.
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HI. I was just thinking similarly to Lilliput, to those who are new at this, it's OK to take seniors anywhere where other people go. Malls, shopping, resturants, rides in the car, ice cream. Some resturants are easier to get in and out of. Our senior center has senior activities and music programs. The alzheimer association has some good activities at local museums and art galleries, but now my Mom is not able to get to something like that. I wish I had been less "what will other people think" and had just gone out more. And been more sociable. I always see caregivers wheeling pjeople around in stores, I must just notice it more now that I'm a caregiver too.
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sskape2, it is so unfortunate that people can be so judgmental and I really feel for your situation and your fear of what others may think. There is a quote and I don't remember where it came from but it says, "The people that care what you look like don't matter, and the people that matter won't care". While it originally applies to physical appearance I think it really suits your situation as well. The people with big hearts that really matter will not be so quick to judge, and fortunately there are more of these people out there than you think:) You are both in my thoughts.
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That's a good quote.." The people who judge don't matter, and the peole who matter don't judge"
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For people with mild cognitive impairment or early dementia (and people who have all their menta capacity intact), museums geared toward children are great. Our local science museum has exhibits of interest to any age, and their signage and labels, etc. can be read by school children. They don't talk down to anyone and they provide sound educational material, at a level less challenging than material aimed at adults only. Their are fur pelts to rub and a staff person to talk about what animal the fur came from. And their gift shop is cool!
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Because of her PD, my mom used to be so self-conscious about her appearance whenever we would go to a restaurant. I finally convinced her that whenever anyone walks through the door people look up, then they go back to eating and visiting with their own group. This made her feel much better.
I think my attitude about going out has helped her not be as self-conscious. I told her that she is a citizen of this country and she has a right to go wherever she pleases. It is a constant pep-talk. But the alternative is isolation which leads to further cognitive deprevation.
My mom also has a great sense of humor. Once someone is around her for just a few minutes she cracks them up and they no longer she her little twisted shell. I do not think I could go on if I were in her physical condition. So, I am proud of her for that.
I think if you gear your outings to your parents interests were when they were younger, you can't go too wrong. The mental stimulation is well worth the hassle of getting them there.
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