For many people, Memorial Day is the first opportunity of the spring to get family members together for a picnic or backyard barbecue. As a family caregiver to an older adult, you no doubt want to make sure they feel included in the festivities. A picnic with seniors can take a little extra planning as their needs are different from those of younger family members, but there are plenty of things you can do to make sure older family members have just as much fun as everyone else. Below are some ideas for planning a picnic that is senior friendly.

Plan Foods That Are Easy to Eat

Older adults who have problems with hand dexterity or suffer from tremors may find eating certain kinds of food difficult. They may even be embarrassed by how they eat. Try to pick foods that are easy to eat. Foods that can be eaten without utensils, like sandwiches or burgers eliminate worries about being unable to get a fork to their mouth because of shaky hands. You’ll also want to keep special dietary needs in mind, such as those for diabetes or a low-salt diet.

Plan Activities for Everyone

When planning activities, caregivers should make certain some of them are things the senior can do and enjoys. For example, if the older adult is in a wheelchair, be sure to include activities that can be done sitting down, like board games or a sing-along.

Don’t Forget Sunscreen & Medications

Be sure to have plenty of sunscreen on hand for everyone. Caregivers may need to assist older adults to apply sunscreen to prevent sunburn and help them to reapply it throughout the day. Also, bring along medications the senior may need to take during the time of the picnic. Caregivers may want to set a reminder on their smartphone to make sure the dose isn’t missed.

Have Comfortable Seating

Your aging relative probably shouldn’t sit on the ground and may find sitting on a hard bench all afternoon uncomfortable. Caregivers should bring along a comfortable chair for the senior to sit in. Place the chair in a shady spot, but still where the older adult can interact with everyone else.

Be Aware of Signs of Heat Illness

Learn the signs of heat illness and dehydration before the date of the picnic. Keep an eye on the older adult to make sure they don’t get too hot. If they show signs of heat illness, take steps to help them cool down immediately. Also, be sure the older adult drinks plenty of liquids throughout the day.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring a Home Care Services in Pleasant Hill, CA, contact the friendly staff at Home Care Professionals today.
Call (866)-940-4855

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andy@hcprosonline.com

CEO at HomeCare Professionals

Andy Howardis a Bay Area Native who holds a BA in Political Science (University of Colorado at Boulder, ’97). After college Andy worked in the surging tech industry.His Grandmother however, would suffer a significant decline in health and ultimately needed in-home care. The experience of a loved one depending on outside help to age in place proved to be pivotal for Andy as he left the tech industry in 2002 for an opportunity in the home care world with a large provider. After having success in home care, but being frustrated by corporate constraints Andy founded HomeCare Professionals in 2005.He methodically built the company one client at a time by focusing on hiring quality caregivers to ensure positive outcomes. Currently Andy serves as the CEO of HomeCare Professionals and is also highly active in the non-profit organization California Association of Health Services at Home (CAHSAH) which advocates for a higher standard of in-home care for those who wish to remain living at home in California.

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