Graduation is one of those times when you want your loved ones around you. You want them to witness your accomplishment, but you also want them to feel like they're a part of it. You want your parents there, naturally, and your siblings, but grandparents are often a cornerstone of a graduation ceremony. They represent the old guard watching as the youngest generation picks up the torch. Sometimes, though, our older loved ones have some special needs. And those needs are going to come into the picture before the ceremony even starts. If you're traveling with older loved ones, here are things you need to keep in mind.
1. Do Research
If the senior is in a wheelchair, make sure the room or grounds where the ceremony takes place is wheelchair accessible. Be aware of any other issues that might present a challenge, such as stairs. Find out if there's handicapped parking available on the premises to make the trip from the vehicle to the ceremony easier.
2. Bring Required Gear
As we get older, we need to bring more stuff with us when we leave the house. Whether it's medications, emergency inhalers, oxygen, a cane, a wheelchair, or other accouterments, it's important to plan your storage capacity. Because if you're bringing your loved ones, you need to bring their literal baggage as well.
3. Take Restroom Breaks
One of the side effects of getting older is that you tend to need to use the bathroom more often than you'd like. If you're hitting the road with older loved ones, you should keep that need in mind, and plan for regular pit stops to make sure everyone can ride in comfort.
4. Think about Transportation
Make sure you have an appropriate vehicle. If necessary, arrange for a wheelchair accessible vehicle to use to get the senior to the event.
5. Don't Rush
The older you get, the more you need to plan everything. So instead of showing up and trying to rush out the door, do a little pre-game warm-up with your older loved ones. Show up early, and get ready. Have coffee. Maybe get breakfast. Take the scenic route. Don't rush, and don't pour on the pressure. You'll get better results, and the day will be better for everyone.
If your loved one is unable to attend graduation, you don't have to miss it too! Consider hiring a professional caregiver during the ceremony so that your loved one can remain safe at home while you enjoy graduation.
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 today to learn more!