Your family reunion is coming up and you are getting ready for a fun day with family. This time, however, you are bringing your senior with you to the festivities. Everyone is excited to see them and you want to make the day as special as you can. Read on for some tips on how you can do just that!
Family Reunion Tips
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Stay hydrated. One of the biggest worries about seniors being outside is the risk of dehydration in the hot sun. Bring your own bottled water and make sure they keep sipping at it.
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Bring all medications. You'll want to make sure that you have all of your loved one's medications before you leave their home. Ask them if they need to take anything before you hit the road. If any of their medications make them tired, see if they can hold off on taking it until you bring them back home.
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Make sure the reunion is safe for your senior. Talk to the host about the actual venue. Will you be in an open park? Is the place wheelchair accessible if you need it to be? Is there nearby parking or will you have to walk far with your loved one? Find out the details beforehand so that you can plan ahead.
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Pack a bag. It's OK to bring your own snacks, even though most family reunions revolve around food. Your senior may get hungry beforehand or they may need to take their medication with food. You should also pack an extra sweater and extra clothes in case it starts to get cold out.
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Talk to your loved one's doctor. Make sure you get the OK for your senior to actually go to the reunion, especially if you are driving far or staying somewhere overnight.
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Have emergency numbers on-hand. If an emergency occurs while you are at the reunion, you will want to make sure you have the number for the local hospital on-hand. You should also bring a list of all of the medications your senior takes in case a medical emergency occurs and the EMT's need to know.
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Arrange proper seating. Family reunions are often held outside or in venues with inadequate and uncomfortable seating. Talk to the host ahead of time and find out what kind of seating arrangements there will be. Your loved one may not be physically able to sit in some of the harder folding chairs that are often provided. If this is the case, you can bring along a comfortable chair that will help them rest easy for the day. If this isn't possible, consider bringing a cushion or pad for them to sit on.
With careful planning, your family reunion will be a day to remember for both you and your senior.
At Caring Senior Service, our expert staff is comprised of extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and trusted professionals who take pride in helping your loved one manage their daily activities. Contact the Caring team near you to learn more!
