Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate: Dr. Cynthia Speaks!
Topic: Outings For Loved Ones Is Always Good Medicine
CAREGIVING is recognized as an action role. It also includes social interactions. These are two essential functions in the caregiving space. The individual(s), often a part of a family’s network, assists with helping loved ones navigate their world. The role has many functions, including finding enjoyable outings for loved ones. Wouldn’t you agree? Social engagement is essential for elderly well-being and critical during the older years because loved ones are sometimes more susceptible to social isolation due to physical, mental, and medical conditions.
With an aging population seemingly not slowing down, caregiving has been recognized as vital. Caregiving does not have to always be in the home. Did you know you can care while having fun? We are living longer; being mindful of this will go a long way! How does one fill the days or evenings of our elders living longer? This weekend, I attended a football game in Fort Worth. The stadium was beautiful. Many older adults were there. What also caught my attention was the accommodations everywhere for older people. I was most impressed by rest areas, restroom locations, ramps, and shaded areas if needed. They did an excellent job providing disabled individuals and people with adaptive aids, like walkers, quad canes, and wheelchairs(manual and electric). It reminded me of the importance of getting your loved ones out and about wherever you can. They appreciate being where the action is! They are grateful for a different view of the world that is not centered on their reality of aging.
As Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate, providing outings for our elderly loved ones is always good medicine and will always be the best choice. Taking care of our loved ones’ social well-being offers mental and physical health benefits. What fun outing will you do with your care recipient this week? Be safe! Be well!
Dr. Cynthia J. Hickman is a retired registered nurse and case manager, CEO of Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate and author of From the Lens of Daughter, Nurse, and Caregiver: A Journey of Duty and Honor, and The Black Book of Important Information for Caregivers.
Website: www.cynthiajhickman.com
