Outings with Care and Packing for Purpose – A Guide on Navigating Outings

Today we are talking all about preparing for outings with seniors in home care — especially those living with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other cognitive challenges. Whether you’re heading to a doctor’s appointment or just running an important errand, these trips can be stressful if you’re not prepared.

We’ll walk through how to pack for success, how to emotionally prepare your client, how to manage common behaviours during the outing, and how to advocate effectively at the appointment. Whether you’re a family member or a professional caregiver, this episode provides some strategies you may want to include for your next outings. 

Why Appointments Can Be Hard – and How to Ease the Way

Let’s start with the emotional side.

Doctor’s appointments can be intimidating for anyone. But for seniors with cognitive challenges, the unfamiliar environment, long waits, and confusing questions can lead to agitation, fear, and even resistance. Sometimes we can see people exhibit behaviours that can take us by surprise or we expect them but not sure how to handle them. Here’s how you can prepare both your client and yourself:

For the Clients:

• Keep explanations simple.
  Say things like, “We’re going to see the doctor to make sure your body is feeling good.” Avoid overwhelming details. Providing too many details can increase confusion and agitation.
• Avoid surprises.
  Let them know the day before or the morning of. Use a calm, reassuring tone and remind them they’re safe and supported.
• Bring comfort items.
  A familiar sweater, scarf, photo, or even a favourite snack can help them feel secure. This might also be an item like a dementia pet, maybe it’s their favourite pair of socks. Make sure they feel safe, which can also include ensuring they are prepared for the appointment with their cane, wheelchair, and proper footwear. We don’t want to be taking someone out with house slippers on if the conditions are icy.
• Use visuals.
  If they respond well to pictures, show them a photo of the clinic or their doctor.
• Provide them with something to look forward to after the visit
  The time leading up to the appointment can cause a lot of anxiety, and sometimes it is helpful to know there is light at the end of the appointment. This could be going out for a sweet treat after the appointment, or some other light and fun activity that they can look forward to. 

*Make sure you bring their mobility aids and devices: hearing aids, walking canes, wheelchair or any other support

For the Caregiver:

• Know your client’s common behaviours.
  Do they get restless in waiting rooms? Do they freeze under bright lights? Anticipating these triggers can help you redirect or soothe them gently. If you are unsure, please always contact your management team, and they can assist with those questions or concerns.
• Prep the appointment ahead of time 

In some instances, you can call the clinic ahead of time and let them know you are bringing in a client and require a few additional things. This can be beneficial so the clinic office reception knows what to expect, particularly if you are dealing with a client who has the potential to exhibit some behaviour. Other factors to consider are to book a quieter time slot.

If you are a caregiver that is doing the appointment with the client and doctor and you will be present in the appointment, jot down yoru concerns beforehand. This can also be helpful if you have some concerns you want to bring forward, if you are attending the appointment with the client and their spouse. You may be able to relay some information to their spouse from a caregiver perspective that could bring value to the appointment. In some cases, if clients have a data or chart record for things such as BP monitoring and other vitals, I would recommend bringing that data with you as well.

The Appointment Survival Kit : A Grab N Go Bag 

Let’s visit, what I like to call the “ Grab N Go Bag”. This is a bag that is always ready to go by the door or vehicle that is packed with essentials you could need. 

These items include: 

• Change of clothes, wallet, ID, list of meds so this could be a MAR sheet or just a note, their green sleeve if they have one, extra change of briefs/ Depends, hand sanitizer, small first aid kit (not necessarily for doctors appointments, but just in general). You may also want to include an extra set of utensils, hand wipes, kleenex, water bottle, extra dose of PRN medications, a list of emergency contacts 
• I suggest that caregivers and families create a grab n go bag and in this bag they have a duotang or similar, of essential information that you may need in times of an emergency, for appointments or similar. 
• The Duotang should include : emergency contacts, the nearest emergency shelter to their home address, a list of their medications and any allergies,  and a brief description of their attributes. This is particularly important for clients that are prone to escaping or wandering away, get lost or out of sight. Unfortunately, it is possible to lose a client or family member and in times of stress or emergency, it is nice to just have this information ready in a duotang so you can share with the police or community member, as required. This could include details such as their height, eye color, any distinguishing features, 

Here are some other items you may want to consider having in a grab n go bag for outings and appointments: 

• Distraction tools: Fidget items, a deck of cards, a soft scarf, or even a stress ball. Maybe a coloring book with markers, a book, etc.
  
• Sensory aids: Sunglasses for bright lights, noise-cancelling headphones, or a light-scented lotion they like.
  
• Snacks: Familiar tastes can be calming.
  
• Water: Dehydration can make confusion worse.
  
• Small notebook: To write down what the doctor says in case you’re distracted managing behaviours in the moment.

During the Appointment — How to Support Behaviour and Comfort

Having a caregiver bring someone to their appointment may include being part of the appointment or just transporting them. In the case that you are transporting a client with JLF, the caregiver should be in the waiting room waiting for the appointment to finish. If you are being attended with their spouse, you may need to attend to the spouse while the other is in the appointment room. 

If a caregiver is included in the appointment, 

• Be their translator.
  If the doctor asks a confusing question, gently rephrase it in words your client understands.
  
• Sit beside them, not across.
  Being at their side — physically and emotionally — offers comfort and reduces a feeling of confrontation.
  
• Redirect with kindness.
  If they become agitated or try to leave, say something like, “Let’s wait just a little longer, then we’ll have your favourite snack.” Avoid arguing or correcting.
  
• Validate their feelings.
  If they’re scared or frustrated, respond with empathy: “I know this is a lot. I’m here with you.”
  

Aftercare

Once you’re home, help your client transition back to routine:

• Give them time to rest.
  
• Offer a familiar activity or comfort food, or like we said earlier, this could look like going for a sweet treat after the appointment.
  
• Gently reflect on something positive from the appointment.
  

And for you — the caregiver — take a moment to debrief and reflect on the day: 

• What went well? What did not go well?
• What could be adjusted for next time? How can I improve for the next outing?
• Do you need to update the care plan and notify the office or family member?

Remember: these outings can be emotionally taxing. It’s okay to feel tired or overwhelmed afterward.

Closing Thoughts 

Caring for someone during an appointment is more than escorting them to the doctor. It’s advocacy. It’s emotional labor. It’s care in action.

But with the right prep — a grab n go bag, a prepared heart, and a thoughtful plan — you can turn a potential taxing day  into a meaningful moment of connection and care. Preparation is a form of compassion. I hope this episode brought you all some valuable insight and support. Please share with other caregivers and families. 

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