If your senior parent has Alzheimer’s and you need to take them to the doctor’s office, to the store, or anywhere else with you keeping them engaged can be tough. When you need to split your attention between driving, shopping, checking them in at the doctor’s office, and caring for your senior parent it’s tough to keep your senior parent safe. The best way to avoid problems when you have to take a senior parent out is to have dementia care services for your senior parent.
Dementia care is specialty care created to meet the unique needs of seniors with Alzheimer’s. A caregiver who works daily with your senior parent can go with you to help keep your senior parent engaged and safe while you handle driving and other tasks.
You also should have an emergency bag with you anytime you take a senior parent with Alzheimer’s somewhere. Being prepared for any emergency will make outings less stressful for you and your senior parent.
Your emergency bag for outings should have:
Briefs And Wipes
Accidents happen, especially if you must wait at the doctor’s office for a long time or you’re in a place without easy access to a bathroom. Keep a few extra briefs and a container of wipes in the bag always. Baby wipes can also be used to clean up after a meal, a spill, or other messy accidents. They’re great to have around in any situation.
Snacks And Water
Your senior parent’s normal mealtime routine may be interrupted by the timing of the appointment. That can cause them to get upset. They also may be hungry or thirsty and be unable to tell you that they are. And since going to a restaurant may be too overwhelming for them it’s best to pack some water or juice and some snacks. If it’s their normal mealtime give them some snacks even if they haven’t asked for a snack. Chances are good they will be hungry.
Extra Clothing
If it’s winter time make sure there is an extra hat, scarf, and pair of gloves in the bag. In the summer make sure there is a pair of sunglasses, a hat, and lots of sunscreen. Sunscreen should be put on them no matter what time of year it is. But there is a good chance they will leave their hat, gloves, or sunglasses someplace and you won’t have the time or energy to search for them. Keep spares on hand instead.
Things To Occupy Them
Puzzles, greeting cards, magazines, large print books, fidget toys, a stuffed animal or a doll, or anything else that keeps your senior parent occupied is a must-have item. When you get to the appointment set them up in a chair with something to keep their attention on while you check in. That way you won’t have to worry about them wandering off while you check in.
A Phone Charger
Phones have a way of dying at the worst possible times. Keep an extra phone charger in the bag in case you get into a situation where you need to charge your phone.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Dementia Care Services in Ontario OH, please get in touch with the caring staff at Central Star Home Health today. Call 419-756-9449
Central Star Home Health is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Ohio including Ashland, Bellville, Bucyrus, Crestline, Galion, Lexington, Mansfield, Marion, Mt. Vernon, Ontario, Shelby, and Willard.
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