nice day for a drive
One of the most difficult things for my grandfather was losing his ability to safely drive a car on his own. While his eyesight is still good enough, he suffered a stroke and does not have the physical mobility to do so. I the case of my grandmother, she has early stage Alzheimer’s which has ended her ability to drive as well. The family made the decision to keep their car so they would feel they still had their independence. One of their favorite things to do is get out of the house on a daily basis.
Their caregiver takes them to the market regularly, and even sometimes the coffee shop or bakery for a treat and some well needed time away from the house. I prefer to take them for relaxing drives during mid day when traffic is not too bad. My grandfather always used to walk the dogs as a way of getting outside for a bit, and this is a great way for him and I to spend a little time together and give him the sense of being away.
On days when they are feeling up to it, you can take your elders on a longer trip, perhaps a half or whole day trip. There is often a lot of enjoyable things to do within a short distance from their home and simply need a little assistance in getting there. With the help of a caregiver, this can turn an ordinary day into a fun and relaxing escape for them and you.
Tags: day trips, quality of life, scenic drives
