When your loved one is outdoors, they have fewer security measures in place. You've likely made modifications to their home to make it safer, but you can't do that throughout your neighborhood or in public outdoor spaces. You can, however, implement some safety strategies. GPS trackers for individuals with dementia can give you peace of mind should you get separated. Constant supervision and extra help can prevent your loved one from slipping away from you. Choose destinations that are away from busy roads and have good sight lines so you can keep a visual on your loved one.
Identifying the barriers that keep your loved one indoors can free you up to spend more time outdoors. Caregivers and family members might have barriers they need to overcome. For instance, you might worry about your loved one's safety or that they'll wander and be difficult to manage. Caregivers might not know where to take their loved ones to keep them safe yet engaged.
People with dementia might also have barriers that make outdoor time challenging. They might like routine and avoid new settings. A tendency to wander could put them at risk, and physical or mobility limitations can make many outdoor activities more complicated.
Recognizing the factors that keep your loved one indoors can help you find resolutions. If you realize your fears are getting in the way, you can work through them on your own or with a therapist. Maybe your loved one's physical condition makes walking on uneven outdoor surfaces dangerous. You might take them outdoors in a wheelchair to navigate those areas safely.
If going outdoors isn't part of the normal schedule, it could throw off your loved one's routine. Even if they don't mind changes to the routine, choosing a suitable time can make the outing more enjoyable. Choose a time of day when your loved one tends to be in a good mood and doesn't get frustrated easily. Look for times when they're agreeable and alert so the time outdoors is more enjoyable for everyone.
Structure often gives people with dementia a sense of familiarity. It can help reduce frustration and similar behaviors that often come with memory impairment. If you want to get outdoors regularly, add outside time to your loved one's schedule. It becomes something you both look forward to doing. Turning it into a habit means you'll be more likely to go outdoors consistently so your loved one can gain as much benefit from it as possible.
Easing into more outdoor time could be as simple as taking everyday activities outside. Dining is a natural place to start. Set up a small patio table and take meals outdoors to soak up some vitamin D and fresh air. Look for activities your loved one enjoys that would work well outdoors. Examples include reading, doing crossword puzzles, crocheting, playing games, studying the Bible and listening to music. They have the familiarity of an activity they already do mixed with the fresh air and sunshine of being outdoors.
If your loved one enjoys trying new things, find interesting activities or hobbies to try outside. Bird watching and gardening are two activities that lend themselves naturally to spending time outdoors. Hobbies can also engage your loved one and encourage them to use cognitive processes. They can bring joy and a sense of accomplishment that can give someone with dementia a mental boost. For instance, tending a garden and seeing the plants grow can feel rewarding.
Combine time outdoors with socialization to give your loved one more benefits. Spending time around others can be stimulating for the brain and help fight off loneliness. It's also good for reminiscing. Invite other family members to join you outdoors for a picnic, outdoor games or other activities. Plus, you get help with your loved one to ensure they stay safe and don't wander.
The memory care program at Bethesda Gardens Loveland offers a stimulating environment with a wide range of activities to keep residents engaged. That includes secure outdoor garden areas so residents can stay active and participate in the sensory experiences of feeling the soil and smelling flowers. Planned outings also give memory care residents the chance to get outdoors and experience different locations.
Memory care communities incorporate safety features, such as secured courtyards, to allow safe outdoor time for people with dementia. Trained caregivers know how to personalize their interactions with the residents and encourage them to participate in activities such as outdoor time. Plus, their training helps the caregivers supervise outdoor activities well to keep residents safe.
