After a recent fall and stint in a rehabilitation facility, Martha is feeling great and ready for summer. Despite dislocating her knee and pulling muscles in her leg, she’s lucky to be safe and healthy. Although she won’t be rushing down the stairs anytime soon, she’s looking forward to enjoying the weather and activities in her community. However, Martha’s family is busy with their own lives, leaving her to do things alone.
That’s when her roommate’s visitor, a care manager, piqued her interest. She learned that a care manager offers companionship, medication management, and financial advice, among other services. Fast forward six weeks, and Martha decided to hire a care manager herself. We were happy to help Martha set up a care plan that included enjoying summertime outings. This included companionship, field trips, and social events. We found a couple of summer concerts that Martha and her new friends could attend in the cool evenings. The city had created an environment that treated older adults as VIPs and set aside seating for them and a close and easy to navigate path from the parking lot to the seating. They also provided runners to bring snacks from the food counter.
Other options also fit into the care plan specially created for Martha:
Attend Community Events – Many cities have outdoor farmer’s markets, festivals, and markets during the summer months. These events are a great opportunity to get outside, enjoy some fresh air, and meet new people. Martha used to take her grandkids to the Saturday market in town, but there’s no reason she can’t attend by herself. If you’re a senior, make a list of local events in your area, and plan to attend a few of them. Working with a care manager to make sure that you have the right type of mobility assistance will make the events more enjoyable. A power scooter can be ideal to get around and see the sites of a festival.
Connect with a Seniors Group – There are many clubs and organizations designed specifically for seniors. Connecting with a senior’s group is an excellent way to feel more connected to your community and meet new friends. Many of these groups have regular meetings and activities, which can provide structure and stability during the summer months. Some have game nights and special meal events. Find a group that interests you and attend a meeting or event.
Volunteer – Volunteering is an excellent way to stay active, social, and engaged. Many non-profit organizations need volunteers during the summer months, and seniors can be a tremendous asset to these groups. You can volunteer at a food bank, hospital, animal shelter, or community center. Volunteering can also improve your mental health and sense of purpose.
Take a Class – Many community centers and schools offer classes for seniors during the summer months. These classes can be on a variety of topics, including art, cooking, gardening, or exercise. Taking a class is an excellent way to learn something new, connect with others who share your interests, and stay active.
Stay Active – Finally, it’s essential to stay active during the summer months. Even if you can’t participate in the same activities as you did before, there are still plenty of ways to stay active. You can take a walk around the park, go for a swim at the local pool, or do some light exercises at home. There are videos online for how to even do a full exercise routine sitting in a chair. Staying active can improve your physical health and mental wellbeing.
Summer can be a challenging time for seniors, especially those who are feeling lonely or isolated. However, there are many ways to stay active, social, and engaged during the summer months. Attending community events, connecting with a senior’s group, volunteering, taking a class, and staying active are all excellent ways to make the most out of the summer season. Seniors like Martha may not have their families available throughout the summer but that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy the season and connect with others in their community.
Martha worked with us for a long time. Her health did begin to decline as she started to lose her memory and cognitive reasoning. The plan of care shifted over time, and we stayed connected and watched for the best ways to support her needs. We were with her as she needed to move to a memory care facility and when she started hospice as her health deteriorated drastically. We were sad to watch her pass away but were glad to make sure it was peaceful and happened the way she wanted. We recently heard from her daughter who is still in her 50s, but she wants to visit with us to create a plan for her and her husband before crisis needs start for them. She learned the value of planning ahead and having a care manager available in advance.
If you need a care manager for an immediate need or you want to prepare for your future, please reach out to us!
