Tips for a Successful Outing with Someone Living with Dementia

Engaging in outings can evoke both excitement and trepidation for individuals living with dementia. 

It’s natural for caregivers to wonder:

• Where should I take them? 
• What preparations are necessary? 
• What items should I bring? 
• What if something goes differently than planned? 

Vitalia Solon wants to address these concerns by offering valuable insights to transform your outings into enjoyable, stress-free experiences.

Not every location is a good place to take someone living with dementia. Some places can be over-stimulating, overwhelming, or even bring back painful events from their past life.

To create a successful outing, you can plan around your loved one’s past life, career, family history, and hobbies they enjoyed. The outing should be meaningful with their best interest in mind. It is always good to consider what time of day is their best time of day. This makes for better outings.

You should bring snacks, drinks, a change of clothes, a memorable item, and emergency contact information for the outing.

If something unexpected happens, it is essential to stay calm. Use the memorable item to help refocus and regain that joyful time in their life. This will help them relax and bring peace back to their mind.

We aim to provide you with valuable, practical information to support your journey in caring for someone with dementia through love and understanding. It’s crucial to acknowledge outings may only be suitable for some. Each person living with dementia is unique, emphasizing the importance of tailoring the experience to their individual needs and preferences. The goal should always prioritize the well-being and comfort of the individual. By practicing patience, understanding, and compassion, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable experience for them while also reducing stress for yourself.