Planning Ahead for a Safe and Fun Hike with Your Elderly Parent

June is Great Outdoors Month. In your role as a family caregiver this is a fantastic opportunity for you to get out, enjoy the summer weather together, and boost your parent's health and well-being. Of course, you also want to make sure you are keeping their safety and health in mind when planning any outdoor activity with your senior parent. A hike can be a fantastic way to get your parent active, enjoy the weather, and spend some quality time together. It is important to plan ahead in order to ensure your hike with your senior is safe and fun. 

Use these tips to plan ahead for a safe and fun hike with your aging parent:

• Establish your route in advance. Especially if you've never hiked on this particular path, make sure you trace it on a map to know where you are going, the terrain, and the distance. This is important not only for you to know where you are going and the challenge you're facing, but also to leave with someone so they know where you will be in the event of an emergency.
• Be cautious about distance. You don't want your senior to get exhausted part way through the hike. Keep in mind how far your aging parent usually walks, and choose a hike that involves you walking out a slightly shorter than half of that distance. This ensures once your parent turns around and heads back to the car, they will still not have walked the full distance they usually do. The added challenges of a hike rather than a walk on an even terrain such as a sidewalk can be more tiring, so it is better to have them finish the hike with extra energy, than to be overly tired.
• Dress appropriately. Remember you will be outside and exerting yourself, so be sure to choose clothing that breathes and will keep you cool, while also protecting against sun and insects. Make sure everyone's shoes fit comfortably, are supportive, and are worn in to avoid blisters. Consider bringing along a poncho to protect your parent in case of unexpected rain.
• Have the supplies you need. Before leaving, make sure your bag is packed with all of the supplies you might need during the hike to stay safe and healthy. This includes a first aid kit, a mobile device with emergency charger, flashlights, non-perishable food, water, sunscreen, insect repellent, paper and pen, and emergency contact information.

Elderly care can be an exceptional way to supplement the care you give your parent, both when you are not able to be with them, and when you are. An elderly home care services provider can step in to be with your parent and supplement the care you give them so they are not alone, and can maintain more independence by handling more tasks on their own rather than always depending on you and your schedule. When you are with them, this care provider can also be a valuable source of support. By attending activities with your senior, they can provide ongoing care close to your usual routine, support and assist your parent, and ensure you have the ability to focus your energy and attention on other elements of your activity. This helps your balance your responsibilities as a family caregiver with your efforts to maintain your parent-child relationship, and care for the rest of your family as well.

IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING IN-HOME CAREGIVERS IN LINCOLN PARK, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.