Planning Your Outing

When a loved one has dementia, regular outings can enhance their quality of life and help them remain connected to their communities. While memory-related conditions require some extra preparation and careful monitoring, taking the time to plan your outing helps ensure a positive experience.

Choose the Right Time

Timing is key when it comes to planning an outing with a loved one who has memory loss. Whenever possible, avoid peak times, as crowded venues may be noisy and confusing. Additionally, consider what time of day your loved one feels most alert and has the most energy.

Pack Essentials

Identify the essential items to bring along to minimize stress during the outing. A bottle of water and some snacks can help your loved one avoid the discomfort of between-meal hunger, and certain comfort items, such as a blanket or fidget toys, can help prevent overstimulation. Additionally, if your outing coincides with their scheduled medication time, be sure to bring their medication along.

Inform Others

Let other family members know about your plans for the outing. Explain the importance of regular engagement activities and outline the measures you’re taking to ensure your loved one's safety and comfort.

Selecting the Right Destination

The Ellisville region offers a variety of recreational activities for seniors, giving families numerous options for early-stage engagement activities. Your loved one’s interests, abilities and experiences can help you decide on the right destination.

Parks

• Ellisville Parks & Recreation: Being outside supports cognitive health, and fortunately, local seniors and families have numerous outside venues to explore.  The local Park & Recreation Department oversees nearly a dozen parks, giving seniors and families access to well-maintained trails along with amenities such as a swimming pool, a dog park and a community garden.
• Klamberg Woods Conservation Area: These woods offer winding trails, a peaceful stream and a footbridge, providing opportunities for hiking and bird-watching.  
• Vlasis Park: Located in nearby Ballwin, Vlasis Park sits on over 30 acres and features public restrooms, two pavilions and a walking path. It hosts the annual Ballwin Days festival, a 3-day event with live entertainment and booths offering games.

Cultural Attractions

• Saint Louis Art Museum: SLAM is located about 22 miles away from Autumn View Gardens Ellisville, making it a fun day trip for residents with memory loss. This museum offers free daily admission and docent-led tours on Fridays and Saturdays at 1 p.m.
• National Museum of Transportation: This museum houses nearly 200 major exhibits, including trains, automobiles, airplanes and boats. Public guided tours are available at 10 a.m. most days and include a miniature train ride when weather permits.
• Historic Village at Faust Park: This historic village features buildings from 1840-1908, including the Thornhill Mansion, providing a unique look at the Ellisville region’s history. Much of the village is wheelchair-accessible.

During the Outing

‍As you and your loved one spend time together, their comfort and safety is key to a successful outing. By taking their physical and mental condition into consideration, you can help them enjoy the activity.

‍Remain Calm and Patient

‍While outings are an exciting break from daily routines, they can be taxing for those with memory loss. During your time together, keep your tone and demeanor steady and calm to provide reassurance and a sense of order for your loved one. Remain patient and understanding, and focus on using nonjudgmental language, even if they become confused or forgetful.

‍Take Regular Breaks

‍Your loved one’s stamina may be lower than you expect, especially if your outing requires a lot of walking. Take breaks often to give them time to rest, process information and prepare for the next activity.

‍Engage and Interact

‍An outing gives your loved one the opportunity to interact with different surroundings and people, helping them remain mentally sharp and alert. Encourage them to interact with their surroundings and with people, including museum guides, park rangers and docents, as much as they’re comfortable doing so.

‍Post-Outing Tips

‍After the outing, you and your loved one have the opportunity to reflect on the experience and talk about things you learned, what you saw and how it made you feel. Engaging with them and sharing perspectives helps them retain cognitive and social skills and strengthens your connection with them.

‍Discuss the Outing

‍After the outing, while the experience is still fresh, have a conversation about what went well. Find out how your loved one felt about the destination, if they were interested in the topics they learned about and whether they enjoyed the interactions they experienced. You can also talk about what could be improved next time.

‍Keep a Journal

‍Consider keeping a journal to track the outings and responses. This journal can help you track what was successful and what wasn’t, and it gives your loved one a tangible way to remember the experience.Regular outings provide those with memory loss opportunities to enjoy social interaction, reminisce and strengthen their bonds with their families. By taking the time to plan the outing, choose the right destination and evaluate the experience, you can ensure a positive and enriching experience.