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? 

The Princeton Senior Living wants to address these concerns by offering valuable insights to transform your outings into enjoyable, stress-free experiences.

 Not every location is a good idea for an outing for someone living with dementia. It truly depends on the individual, who they are, and the stage in their journey. Loud environments or large crowds can overload their senses, and they become overstimulated. Safety is always a top priority. Another thing to consider would be the time of day. If your loved one experiences sun-downing, it may not be an enjoyable outing for them while they are going through that, causing them to become stressed.

Many factors can make an outing successful or unsuccessful. Knowing the individual’s interests, abilities, and dislikes is very helpful. It is good to survey the location beforehand to ensure it is accessible. While out, please pay attention to any cues, body language, or mood changes to ensure your loved one is still enjoying their time out. Lastly, remember to capture memories! This is an excellent way to reflect on the experience later and reminisce together.

Depending on how long you will be out and the time of day, supplies and medication may need to be taken with you. Water and snacks are good to take if your loved one is a snacker or diabetic. A fidget item to keep their hands busy, in case they get anxious or fidgety, would be helpful.

If something unexpected happens, remaining calm and flexible is important. Causing more stress would make any situation worse.

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.