Helpful Holiday Ideas for Elderly Relatives

It’s often difficult for elderly people to go on holiday. This may be due to a number of reasons, including general health or mobility issues, or it may simply be a matter of money. But having a holiday is just as important for seniors as it is for the rest of the population, because it’s a great way to relax and improve a person’s general outlook on life.

If you’re thinking about taking an elderly relative on holiday, here are some great suggestions for how to make the experience easier for everyone. Some of these ideas involve travelling, whilst others are simply about making the most of your home environment.

Holidaying at Home

If your elderly relative is unable to travel there are steps you can take to give them a holiday experience at home. Having relatives round to visit is a welcome break from the normal routine, and this is made even better when these people are close friends and relatives. Consider having a fun day in summer, for which you can organise a family dinner, fun activities and time spent outside enjoying the garden. You may even wish to organise a day out in which you visit a beautiful museum or nature park, and incorporating a special café lunch will help to make the day memorable. If your relative has any particular hobbies you could include these in your schedule. For example, if your relative likes to fish you could pick up a pole from Skate Hut and head down to the nearest reservoir.

Taking a Short Break

If your elderly relative is able to be away from home for a few days, you may wish to consider the benefits of a short break. You won’t necessarily have to travel far as there are many holiday parks and resorts around the UK which cater to the needs of elderly holidaymakers.

Before you go, make sure you’ve taken all of your relative’s needs into account. If they have mobility issues, a single story dwelling or ground floor flat should be your preferred holiday accommodation. If they require the use of a wheelchair, making sure that your accommodation has widened hall and doorways is absolutely essential. Some resorts offer assistance for seniors, such as onsite wheelchairs and tailored activities, so make sure to do your research before you make your booking.