Tips for Enjoying a Trip to a Theme Park with Your Senior Parent

Theme parks can be fantastic spots for family fun during the summer months. As a family caregiver, you may worry your senior is not able to enjoy all the fun of these adventures, however. But this doesn't have to be the case. Your aging parent can still join the rest of the family for a fun-filled day as long as you take the time to prepare and plan. This can be a wonderful opportunity at for your senior to connect with younger generations, and to make memories all of you will cherish for years to come.

Use these tips to enjoy a trip to a theme park with your elderly loved one:

• Research the park in advance to find out about parking opportunities. While all theme parks have handicap parking, you may find that premium parking spots, often sold for a small fee, are closer or more convenient than these spots. This can be extremely beneficial for an elderly adult struggling with mobility challenges, or who may not have as much energy.
• If your parent does not have a mobility aid of their own, consider renting one at the park. Most theme parks offer wheelchair rentals, but inquire about electric options as well. Even if your parent does not usually use a mobility aid, having access to one that can allow them to conserve their energy, and manage the long day of walking more easily.
• If you have never been to this particular theme park, take some time with your parent to research the rides, attractions, and shows available. Read reviews of them, and even look on video sharing sites to watch streams of them so your parent will know what to expect. This can help them to make choices about what they can and cannot participate in, so they can better plan their day.
• Prepare your parent with their own park pack that will include items they need during their day of adventure to stay comfortable and healthy. This should include water, sunscreen, and any medications they may need to take. Keep in mind if your parent is bringing medication into the theme park, the park may require they visit guest services prior to entering the main park. This will allow guest services to approve of the medication. This is also an opportunity to discuss any foods you may need to bring in to accommodate medical needs for your parent.
• Don't force the family to stay together throughout the entire day. While you'll want to spend some time together, and will likely find plenty of opportunities such as during meals, at shows, watching parades, or even on some mild attractions, you don't have to be together at all times. Keeping younger generations with your senior and preventing them from being able to enjoy the higher thrill rides can make your senior uncomfortable, and bore the children. Instead, suggest splitting up for a set period of time so everyone can enjoy different activities, then come back together later.

Simply because your parent is getting older and you have taken on the responsibility of being a family caregiver for them does not mean you need to give up the fun and meaningful activities you enjoy with the rest of your family. If summertime means vacations and adventures to you, you may worry you have to give these up because your aging parent needs care, and is not capable of participating in the vacation in a safe and healthy way. If you are facing that situation, now may be the ideal time for you to consider elderly care. An elderly home care services provider can attend activities with your parent to provide a consistent level of care so they can participate as much as possible. If this is not an option, respite care may be the better choice. With this type of care, a care provider steps in on an emergency or temporary basis to fill care gaps when you are not available. Respite care can give your parent consistent, personalized care for a few hours, or even a few days so you can take a step back from your care routine and enjoy time to yourself or handle other responsibilities.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Hobe Sound, FL, contact the caring staff at BrightStar Care of Jupiter. Call today (561) 741-1200.