The opportunity for older people, or younger people with mobility issues, to get out and about is very important for their mental health, and can be an all round enjoyable experience. Simply enjoying different surroundings, interacting with friends, family or even complete strangers can relieve boredom and stimulate the mind. It even adds in a little exercise without the client thinking that it’s exercise!
Off to the shops
Whilst day trips to the beach or to the countryside can be a wonderful experience, for some it may be too much. A day trip can be as glamorous as dressing up for a visit to a nice country pub for lunch, or as simple as a visit to the local shopping centre; either way, just having the opportunity to do something different, see new sights and interact with different people makes for excellent therapy.
A visit out into the community, to the town centre shopping or for lunch can alleviate any feelings of isolation that can come with being housebound, even with the support a Live-in Carer. Variety is the spice of life after all! We all like to meet new people and experience new things. That doesn’t change just because we get older, are more infirm or suffer with a particular illness or condition.
Kathryn Robertson, one of our Live-in Care Managers has a client who loves getting out and about. She says “He is 48 and loving every day; he absolutely adores his Carer who has given him a real zest for life. They are often out at the cinema and go for a very posh breakfast every Sunday.”
Enjoying hobbies
Restricted mobility shouldn’t mean an end to the pursuit of hobbies and activities. Many of our clients still like to get out to the bingo, to the community centre, the library, the cinema or even the pub for a half! And why shouldn’t they? If their condition allows it, then we should try to make it happen; it all contributes to their feeling of independence, sense of self and mental acuity.
Family visits
Family visits don’t always have to be one sided, with the family always coming to visit their relative at home. If the opportunity arises then a visit to the extended family’s home is a welcome change of scene; it provides another environment where they can relax, be comfortable and enjoy a day that’s a little out of the ordinary.
Some, not all, Live-in Carers drive
If you’re considering a Live-in Carer from Helping Hands, your particular needs will be discussed during your assessment meeting; that is your opportunity to confirm that you would like a Carer who can drive. But our Carers can’t use their own cars, if they have one, to transport clients for practical, as well as insurance reasons.
Mobility Vehicles
If the client has a car, then simply adding the Carer to the insurance will solve the problem. If not then public and community mobility transport or taxis will be the solution. Obviously this is a little more restrictive, but it shouldn’t be prohibitive, assuming the client’s condition allows for an element of flexibility.
If you or the client doesn’t have an appropriate car, then another option is buying a new or used mobility vehicle. If this is an option you want to consider then shop around, search the internet for mobility vehicles. One company to consider might be Gowrings Mobility - the UK’s leading manufacturer and supplier of wheelchair passenger vehicles.