The Outing Bag For Family Caregivers
Here on the California Central Coast, we’ve recently had our weeks of cold weather and rain. As a family caregiver, you and your elderly loved one might have spent a good amount of those days indoors. It’s natural to feel a tinge of cabin fever. Hey, it’s Spring with warmer weather in the forecast. Why don’t you plan time together to enjoy getting outdoors? One vital tool to planning your outings is to have a ready-packed outing bag. Let me share the benefits of it and what to pack.
Benefits
With an outing bag, you and your loved one can run quick errands. You don’t need to spend lots of time and effort gathering your stuff. In a jiffy, you’re mobile. You’ll enjoy independence. You won’t forget essential tools. It’s about being organized. The best-case scenario is that you create a mobile comfort of home – a quality of life. With your outing bag, you’re prepared for minor emergencies and you’ll bring some relief. A worst-case scenario is that you’re unprepared for minor emergencies. It’s best to avoid the sentiment of ‘Shucks, I should’ve brought…’ On outings, you’ll want to put your elderly loved one at ease. A little bit of planning and effort can bring about that reassurance.
Functionality
Make it easy to carry. Try to make each item the travel size. Do you need the large hand sanitizer bottle? Pack in modules: match for the outing. These help you to reduce, or add content based on the outing. It’s all about being nimble and lightweight. Consider a backpack. There are advantages to making it hands-free. When walking with your elderly loved one to the car you may be on standby for safety. Positioning a walker or storing a walking cane after seat belting is easier with two hands-free. Here’s a good tip: leave it by the door. It will entice you to get outdoors!
Checklist for contents
Small Water bottles
Vitamins/medicines
Sunblock
Visor/hat/sunglasses
Binoculars for bird and nature viewing
Camera or phone for photos and videos to create lasting memories
Folding mini umbrella
Emergency cash
Sterilizing wipes
Protective face masks
Tissues
Something to read: magazines, favorite books
For cooler temperatures in medical offices, and waiting rooms – a shawl/thin jacket, thin lap blanket
Disposable briefs
Feminine products
Hand sanitizer
Disposable gloves
Disposable wipes
Disposable liners
Roll of toilet tissue
Disposable toilet seat cover
Extra clothes
If sitting long, consider a chair cushion to take along with the outing bag
Phone charger
Laptop charger (if applicable)
Headphones
Neck pillow
Sleep mask
Folding (recyclable) shopping bags
To add for visits to medical facilities: Identification card, health insurance card(s), pertinent medical records
Snacks for both of you. Granola bars or trail mix works well.
Napkins
Small trash bags
Small first aid kit
Emergency contacts list
Conclusion:
At any time of the year, fresh air promotes improved physical and mental health. Long periods of being indoors during inclement weather can feel like the doldrums. Getting outdoors is a welcome treat. It boosts morale and gives everyone something to look forward to. Take steps to make those outings easier to prepare for. Your outing bag will help your elderly loved one maintain independence.
It’s always ready by the door to grab and go on your next outing! What steps will you take to get your outing bag ready?
