One of the toughest challenges a person with Alzheimer's faces is dining out. You want to treat your mom to lunch, but restaurants agitate her. Crowds and loud noises make her angry or scared. She doesn't want to sit still. Your meal hasn't arrived, but your mom's asking for the bill. Sound familiar?You've been doing takeout and eating it in her home, but you really want to get her out of the house. Have you heard about Purple Tables?
What is Purple Tables?
Purple Tables is a restaurant reservation site that specializes in finding you a restaurant that caters to people with cognitive or physical issues that make dining out a challenge. Dining with Alzheimer's is the main focus, but they can also offer a relaxed dining experience for those with other forms of dementia.
How Purple Tables Works
Visit PurpleTables.us and search your area for participating restaurants. When you find one, you can call or email the restaurant to make reservations. Some allow online booking. Each restaurant offers suggestions on the quieter times to dine, though they'll accommodate you as well as they can if you want to dine during a busier hour.
What if Purple Tables Hasn't Reached Your Area
Right now, Purple Tables is growing. They're still breaking into many markets. If they're not in your area, you can still make dining out a success.
Start by calling the restaurant you want to visit. Talk to them about the quietest times and if they have rooms that are a little more secluded. Many restaurants are happy to accommodate you.
Tips for Making Dining Out a Success When Your Parent Has Alzheimer's
Be prepared to dine out during off-peak hours. Opt for a late lunch or early dinner. Many restaurants are in their quiet times from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Look for establishments with a decent menu that also isn't overwhelming. If the menu is four pages long, your mom may become overwhelmed by the number of choices and refuse to choose something to eat.
Talk to the staff before you sit down. If you ask the hostess for a quiet table away from any bar area or doors into the kitchen, you'll find it easier to avoid agitation. Sitting away from large groups is also something you should try to avoid.
Make Sure You Take Breaks
Your heart is in the right place, but as your mom declines, you need to take breaks. Home care services
offer you the respite you need, but that doesn't mean sacrificing your mom's care.
Caregivers come to your mom's house, watch her while you go to dinner, have time alone in a bubble bath, or take a walk. You'll find this helps refresh you and keeps stress from getting to you. Call a home care agency to discuss Alzheimer's care.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Juno Beach, FL, contact the caring staff at BrightStar Care of Jupiter. Call today (561) 741-1200.