The elderly are often encouraged to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Outdoor time is excellent for older people’s health. Still, it can be difficult when you’re uncomfortable walking or have mobility issues. To help make outdoor activities accessible to residents in senior assisted living in Everman, TX, here are four ways they make getting outdoors easier:
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They Provide Easy Access To The Outdoors
Family members in their golden years with mobility issues can be encouraged to enjoy the outdoors by making it easier for them to access the outdoors. This includes Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)–compliant outdoor spaces, safe and secure destinations, accessible spaces for all residents, and wheelchair-accessible locations.
The outside space should comply with the ADA, making it easy for residents to navigate. In addition, retirement communities make sure there are no stairs or other barriers that may prevent a resident from enjoying their time in the sun. A safe place eliminates any fears about falling or getting lost in unfamiliar areas of your community.
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They Offer Mobility Devices To Residents
Whether you need a wheelchair, scooter, or walker to get around safely, there’s no reason to be stuck inside the building. With mobility devices available at all times in the facility, residents can take advantage of the great outdoors whenever they want.
You can find mobility assistance devices for short trips outside your apartment or house. Some senior-friendly independent living communities also offer longer-term rentals. That way, aging family members who aren’t yet ready to move into assisted living can enjoy their freedom. At the same time, they still get plenty of assistance and support from home healthcare providers.
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They Make Outdoor Activities A Part Of The Daily Schedule
Some adults in their golden years have physical limitations that make it challenging to get outdoors, or they may be afraid of falling. To encourage residents with mobility issues to get outside, retirement communities schedule regular outdoor activities. They do these activities in various ways:
- Scheduling adventures that take advantage of the weather. This might mean a beach trip or riding a bike when it’s sunny outside.
- Scheduling adventures that meet residents’ needs. For example, suppose one resident has trouble walking around because of arthritis. They’ll be encouraged to take short strolls around the property instead of long hikes through nature trails.
- Scheduling adventures tailored to each resident’s interests and preferences (e.g., someone who loves hiking will be invited for frequent walks through nearby parks).
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They Arrange For Trips To Interesting Places
Retirement communities offer trips to places of interest for residents. The trips can be local, or they can take residents further afield. For example, an assisted living community might have a bus that takes its residents on short day trips around the area every week. They also offer longer holidays in other countries or places more distant from their neighborhood.
If you’re interested in taking your loved one out on trips, talk with the team at your community and see what options they have available for you.
Key Takeaways
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning how assisted living communities encourage aging adults with mobility issues to get outside. It’s important to realize that all communities are different, so we encourage you to talk with team members at other retirement communities before making your final decision.