For community operators, the benefits of senior outings are obvious. Yet the risk of residents getting lost, falling, or having a medical emergency, pose a concern.
Thankfully, there are ways to mitigate risk, including advanced mobile technology solutions that can help ensure residents are safe and secure even when out of operators’ care.
Outings don’t need to be elaborate to be beneficial. Even simple outings, such as a quick trip for ice cream or a walk at an old familiar place, encourage movement and social interaction. Here are a few ideas to share with staff, or send along with family members:
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Keeping Seniors Safe During Outings
Preparing appropriately for outings can be the best way to ensure they go smoothly and safely. When operators are able to ensure safety, they can feel more confident encouraging residents to venture out.
Here are a few things you can remind residents before they leave the community grounds:
Make a Plan
When seniors are headed out, it’s always best they have a clear plan. This will help establish expectations and ensure they’ve considered any potential risks. Before they go, remind them to check the air quality, map out a safe route, and compile a list of emergency contacts and key health information that could help in an emergency. Their plan should include breaks and be flexible enough to change as needed.
Pack Up
It’s important to remind residents of a packing list. Remind them to bring along an extra pair of glasses (if they wear them) and tools for facing the elements, such as sunscreen, an umbrella, or bug spray. Hydration is important for preventing heat exhaustion during shifts in weather, so be sure they properly hydrate prior to leaving and have water readily available during the trip. In case of hunger between meals, it’s also never a bad idea for them to pack extra snacks.
Dress the Part
It’s important residents feel comfortable, or the duration of the outing can be easily cut short. In fall, it’s smart for residents to dress in light layers, but bring warm clothes in case of a shift in temperature. For those accompanying seniors, it can be wise to pack everything up in a backpack so they can remain handsfree.
Investing in Tech
Technology can be a great way to give operators, staff, and family members peace of mind. You do everything you can to keep your residents
safe and secure while they’re under your care. Why should that protection end when they step out the door? With CarePoint Go from Lifeline it doesn’t have to.
Seniors can wear a mobile pendant that will detect falls and automatically place a call to a designated responder. These pendants allow for two-way voice communication, so seniors can chat directly with their responder. Should a senior get lost, responders can also track their location 24/7*.
With the CarePoint Go program, senior communities can purchase a select number of mobile pendants, which residents can then “check out” to take with them on outings. If you want to learn more about the technology, or how the program works, read more here.
Finally, Peace of Mind
Helping seniors maintain total health requires a careful balance of physical activity, mental stimulation, and meaningful social interactions. Yet underlying every element is a key factor that can never go overlooked: safety. Thankfully, with the right preparation and technology, operators and staff can feel confident residents will be safe when leaving community grounds.
*CarePoint Go mobile pendant coverage inside and outside is provided where AT&T or Verizon Wireless network coverage is available. Pendant does not detect 100% of falls. If able, users should always push their button when they need help. Shower safe – not to be submerged for an extended period of time.
For more information on Lifeline Senior Living technology, please reach out to learn more.
