Creating More Dementia-Friendly Outings: Tips for Family Caregivers

Most families enjoy getting out of the house for a meal at their favorite restaurant, a picnic in the park, shopping at their local mall, taking in a movie, or any other outings. If you have a family member with dementia, however, those outings that were once so easy and fun can feel more challenging. And it’s completely understandable, given the added worry about your loved one’s potential confusion, anxiety, or distress during these outings. After all, you want them to enjoy each outing as much as everyone else.

While much has been written about creating a safe, dementia-friendly home, less attention has been given to building a dementia-friendly experience when out and about with a loved one who has dementia. And yet, with a little planning and consideration, it is indeed possible!

Here are some tips to help create a more dementia-friendly experience for your loved one during family outings:

• Decide on the right outing. Selecting the right outing is an important first step. Some venues are naturally more dementia-friendly than others. What kinds of outings does your loved one enjoy? Are they still able, physically and cognitively, to participate? Make it a point to include your loved one in these conversations and consider their preferences and abilities.
• Check in with the venue in advance. If you can’t visit in person, review photos or maps of the destination. Call ahead to learn more about if and how they accommodate individuals with dementia. For instance, when dining out, you can request a table away from the noisier areas and close to the restrooms.

• Timing is everything. Choose times when your loved one is most alert, often in the morning, and avoid crowded, high-traffic times. Take their personal preferences into consideration.
• Be prepared. Bring essentials like medications, snacks, water, identification card, and emergency information with you.
• Less is more. The most successful outings are short and flexible. Monitor your loved one’s behavior. Remember, it’s always okay to leave early if fatigue or agitation sets in.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that an increasing number of communities, cities, and organizations are actively promoting dementia-friendly environments. Many cities have programs in place to encourage shops, cafes, museums, libraries, parks, and other public spaces to improve access, staff training, signage, and support for people living with dementia and their caregivers.

Here are a few examples:

• Memory Cafes: These offer a supportive and stigma-free environment to socialize and participate in engaging, facilitated activities like music, art, or storytelling. Dementia Friendly America has a list of memory cafes throughout the U.S.

• Cultural Institutions: Museums and art galleries increasingly offer dementia-friendly hours, quiet sessions, or specialized tours with trained staff.
• Retail and Financial Businesses: In some areas, businesses have joined initiatives to train their employees on how to interact supportively with customers who have dementia. This might include being patient with transactions, providing clear signage, and providing extra help.
• Parks and Gardens: Public parks, botanical gardens, and garden centers are naturally dementia-friendly, with gentle sensory stimulation and natural light. Many provide safe, well-lit, open spaces for walks and social interaction. 

Choosing a venue that is known to have a dementia-friendly environment will make your outings feel more manageable and enjoyable. Supportive, easy-to-navigate environments will help your loved one feel safe, comfortable, and more independent, while giving you a more relaxing experience.

And, don’t forget that a little preparation goes a long way. Taking small steps, like reviewing maps or photos of a venue beforehand, bringing snacks and essentials, and letting staff know about your loved one’s needs can make the day go more smoothly.

With thoughtful planning, your family outings can shift from being stressful and uncertain to meaningful, enjoyable experiences that you, your loved one, and your family can share.

We invite you to scan our blogs to read about some of the amazing outings our Anthem Memory Care communities enjoy on a regular basis. The residents, their families, and our staff love to get out and about together. These outings foster connection, engagement, and a greater sense of community for all of us.