Parent Care Sanity

Sometimes a change in scenery can make a big difference in someone’s mood. A senior who has to stay home all the time looks forward to getting out of the house. Cabin fever is real. Even my mother who was blind and couldn’t fully enjoy the scenery loved to take trips. They don’t have to be long trips just go out for a ride. Planning a quick trip to eat lunch, picnic, scenery, or a trip down memory lane will always be enjoyed. 

Top 10 tips for a day trip

1. Playlist- Music is so magical sometimes. A simple song can flood you with memories and emotions. When taking a day trip try and make a playlist of songs that your parents would have listened to when they were a kid. Pretty soon they will be singing along or even better telling you about those memories that music brings up. They may not be what you want to listen to sometimes but you can also be pleasantly surprised at how some of the music can speak to you and it can be a bridge a generation gap. I can’t tell you how happy it made me riding in a car listening to my mother sing. Our family always took trips in the car and these are some of the best memories I had as a kid. When you didn’t know if you would have a radio station to listen to and tapes were bulky we would carry a hymnal. We would randomly turn to a page and start singing. Grandma hated music most of the time but sang her a hymn and she would get the biggest smile on her face and join in. Nowadays it makes it so easy to plan out music so on your next getaway make sure you make a playlist of songs that they will want to hear. If you don’t know, asking them can be a great conversation to have.
2. Snacks- Food is so much fun to plan for long road trips. I read somewhere that if when going on a road trip it doesn’t look like a kid was given $100 to spend at a grocery store you’re doing it wrong. This tends to stand true for us when we go on long trips but I have been surprised before how even on a short trip someone can get hungry and want a snack. We take reasonably healthy snacks with us, for a quick day trip we will take a few things from this list here. It can also be fun to pack a lunch and stop somewhere and eat. We live in the middle of Washington State have the ability to see all kinds of things with just a short ride. We loved to drive to Mount St. Helens or Rainier and sit at the picnic area when mom felt like transferring we would go sit at the table if she didn’t we would sit in the car. Taking time to stop and eat something leaves time to talk and make memories.
3. Questions or other car games – car rides can take time, even day trips so planning out a few questions to ask can create lasting memories that you will hold on to for a very long time. The change of scenery can remind them of old memories that they may have forgotten about. The quiet car ride can also be a great opportunity to talk without a lot of other distractions. If you have kids get them involved in the questions so they can learn new things, and really understand someone else’s generation. It is always a good idea to think about some questions in advance. You don’t have to prepare 100 questions just a few and see where the conversation takes you. If it is slow and not going anywhere well you still have your playlist to fall back on.
4. Comfort items- Leaving and going somewhere can be stressful for some at first. Especially if they have memory problems or confusion. They can still enjoy getting out but may need something that will make them feel more comfortable. These can also be things like warm socks because their feet may get cold. A blanket because all of them might get cold. A seat cushion because some people suffer from all kinds of things that can make sitting rough. A must with my mother was a pillow for the seatbelt we would have fight after fight over her wearing her seatbelt. She said that it hurt her to wear it because of the way that it sat on her chest. This can be an issue for many people who have sensitive chests or stomachs, which can be caused by many different ailments. It wasn’t until I made a pillow for the seat that the fight stopped and she would not fuss when I strapped her into the seatbelt. You want this to be a fun and relaxing experience for them so plan ahead on what would make them comfortable and make it happen.
5. Medications- these were something when I was first starting out would often forget. when mom ate something she had to take a pill because she was in renal failure. It took us a few times of being out and realizing we needed it to come to the conclusion that we needed to carry some with us so we always had it. Now i am not saying to take every medication they would need but be aware of what they might need in a situation. If they get a headache some over the counter products might not mix with their medications. It is best to carry a few things that you may need with you just to be on the safe side. Also sometimes plans don’t go the way you want and you may end up getting back later then you need it is better to be safe than sorry when dealing with timed medication.
6. Bathroom supplies- now depending on the requirement of care that you are traveling with this may be more or fewer items. I always recommend some mess-free soap. You never know if the restroom you stop at will have what you need and it is something that is easy to take with you. A change of clothes in the car is always something I have. I can’t count the times that something has gone wrong and a change of clothes has been needed sometimes this is just spilled juice all over yourself, or it may be something a little messier. Whatever the situation, having a spare change of clothes can make it easier and less embarrassing for everyone. This can also be helpful if the weather changes and you may need more layers. Being prepared is never disappointing.
7. Umbrella- you may live in an area of no rain but the sun and elderly don’t always mix either so an umbrella can offer shade and protection from the rain. They are small and don’t take up much space but can be a real lifesaver. 
8. Plastic bag- You may be thinking this is random and it is but I have used them on multiple trips for many reasons. Sometimes you get somewhere and notice a bunch of pine cones and think well that can be used as a craft project, or maybe you find berries along the way and your grandma is begging for you to go get her some. Mom has decided she needs you to pick up some rocks so she can feel them and give them to her grandson. Mom also had the habit of puking at some really bad times for no reason it was just something that happened. Well, those puke bags are expensive! Regular shopping bags are cheap even in an area where you have to pay for them. Shove one in your glove box but remember to replace it if/ when you use it.
9. Camera- sure you have one on your phone but you may not be the only one that wants to take pictures. One of my dad’s favorite hobbies is taking pictures. We will drive up in the woods, to the beach, to a river, to a waterfall, and dad will take pictures for hours. It makes him happy and it makes me happy that he is out in nature and experiencing life. Set it up to record the drive you might end up catching some classic moments. This might not work for everyone but if you are just going to use your phone make sure you have space to take some pictures and video.
10. Change of Clothes. Even the shortest day trips have ended with needing a change of clothes. Mis judging the size of a creek at a stop, pop exploding in the car, other incidents that can happen. Having a backup of clothing that make sure that you are covered for anything and means someone doesn’t have to ride home miserable. This has relieved the stress from an incident and instead made it something we could just laugh about on the way home.