This fall, spend some time with your senior loved one while engaging in a fun activity. Many areas offer activities that are a perfect complement to the splendorous fall colors. Family members and their loved ones can choose from any of the following five exciting fall field trips.
1. Going on a Nature Walk
Fall is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the palate of colors Mother Nature creates. Make time for a leisurely stroll through a park or nature center and enjoy the sights. Make sure your loved one dresses appropriately, then venture out for a few hours. Walking offers cardiovascular exercise in addition to enhancing lower body strength and overall balance. The scenery along the way may awaken the senses. Be on the lookout for local wildlife. If the park has a pond, perhaps take some popcorn or bread and feed the waterfowl. Enjoy the conversation and time spent together. Many family caregivers hire professional in-home caregivers to accompany their loved one on walks and other outings. When searching for reliable Des Moines senior care agencies, families want to know their senior loved one will be well taken care of. At Home Care Assistance, our expertly trained caregivers are available around the clock to assist with tasks around the house, provide transportation to medical appointments and social events, and much more.
2. Visiting a Pumpkin Patch
In certain parts of the country, farmers grow pumpkin crops. Once fall arrives, they encourage visitors to come and choose their own gourds for the holidays. A visit to a pumpkin patch provides seniors the opportunity to get out in the fresh air, enjoy the scenic views, and get some exercise navigating through the rows of pumpkins. If the gourds are not too big, your loved one can carry them and get weight training as well. Many farms also offer hayrides and host beverage and snack options, making the entire day fun for all visitors.
3. Going to an Orchard
In the fall, many apple orchards invite visitors to pick their own fruits. Along with walking, the bending and stretching involved with picking and retrieving the apples make for great physical exercise. The activity also provides the chance to have a meaningful time together. The journey may also bring back pleasant memories of past fall days.
4. Navigating a Maze
Corn and hay mazes have become increasingly popular in recent years. Mazes are found on farms and in other rural locations of communities. Visiting a maze provides older adults with the chance to challenge their problem-solving and navigation skills while offering a bit of fun. The walking required to go through the labyrinth is a good way to get some exercise. Outdoor trips with aging adults require time and effort on the family caregiver’s behalf. Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Des Moines families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation.
5. Trick-or-Treating
If physically able, your loved one might thoroughly enjoy going out with the family for a few hours of trick-or-treating. Children are often enthused about sharing their experiences with others, and trick-or-treating is no exception. The journey may also make your loved one feel appreciated and wanted. The task of walking from one house to the next provides good exercise.Not all seniors need assistance when going on outings. Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Des Moines, Iowa, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver. To learn how our premier in-home care can benefit your loved one’s life, call Home Care Assistance today at (515) 264-2438
