It can be a sensitive topic to discuss with other family members, but sometimes taking your senior parent to the doctor’s, shopping, to the hair salon, or other places when they have Alzheimer’s can be quite difficult. Seniors who have advanced Alzheimer’s can wander off, step in front of cars, not pay attention to directions or where are they going, open the car door while you’re driving, and exhibit other behaviors that can put them in danger.
That’s why you need to have a strategy and be prepared when you are taking your senior parent with Alzheimer’s out of the house. The more prepared you are, the less likely it is that something will go wrong. Some recommendations and tips from other family caregivers taking care of a senior parent with Alzheimer’s are:
Get Alzheimer’s Care
Alzheimer’s care makes it a lot easier to take care of a senior parent with Alzheimer’s. Having Alzheimer’s care for your senior parent means that you have a partner to help you that really understands how to communicate with someone who has Alzheimer’s. An Alzheimer’s care provider can help get your senior parent dressed and ready to go so that you can get yourself ready to go. They can also help with driving and other tasks.
Pack A Bag
In addition to your purse or bag with your own essentials bring a bag of essentials for your senior parent. In the bag should be at least one bottle of water, some easy to eat snacks, baby wipes, a brief if they wear briefs, a change of pants just in case, extra socks, and anything else that you think they could need. Even if you’re just going to the store bring the bag. You never know when you’re going to need those items.
Get A Fidget Apron
A fidget apron is a fantastic way to keep seniors with Alzheimer’s occupied when you have to go somewhere. The apron fits easily over whatever they’re wearing, even a bulky coat, but they can’t lose it or take it off. You can sit your senior parent in a chair and let them play with the different items on the apron while you check them in at the doctor’s office, wait for the hair stylist, or do whatever you need to do.
Bring A Soothing Object
If your senior parent has a soothing object like a doll or an animatronic pet bring it with you when you go out. Having their comfort item can reduce anxiety, give them something to hold, and keep them calm if they are getting upset. If you’re taking them to the doctor and they need to have blood drawn or have vaccinations having their soothing item can keep them from getting angry or fearful.
Make Use Of Facilities When You Can
When you arrive anywhere go to the bathroom and get a drink and make sure your senior parent goes to the bathroom and takes a drink of water. That will lower the risk of them having an accident while you are in a place without a bathroom.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Alzheimer’s care in Millburn, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Adult Alternative Home Care today. 888-664-1769
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