Due to the nature of caregiving, care providers for the elderly spend a lot of time indoors. While the majority of seniors who subscribe to in-home care services are able to go on outings, many caregivers overlook this. Of course, for seniors with limited mobility or other serious health concerns, travel may be a problem, but there are many places that care providers can take their senior clients for a refreshing change of pace.
One idea that caregivers might consider is going to a local park. Generally, these aren’t too crowded and navigation is easy for wheel chairs and other mobility aids. Restrooms and picnic areas are also usually available so that care providers can pack a lunch for themselves and their client to enjoy during their outing.
Most communities have several parks that offer different amenities. In Tomball, Texas there are roughly ten locations for care providers to choose from. Here’s a look at some of them and the amenities offered by each one.
Juergens Park
1331 Ulrich
Large, lighted pavilion with restrooms and barbeque pits, handicapped accessible
Half mile asphalt walking track
Wheelchair accessible picnic areas
Matheson Park
1240 Ulrich (across from Juergens Park)
Several shaded areas
Covered picnic areas
Pool
Tennis Courts
10 acre park
Theis Attaway Park
13509 Theis Lane
This park is a four acre nature preserve that features:
Amphitheater
Paved walking trails with shaded rest areas and picnic tables
Pond with fishing pier
Bird observation blind
Burroughs Park
Hufsmith Road between Kuykendahl and FM2978
Playground for all abilities
Nature trails
Pavilion
Wildlife rehabilitation center
Duck pond
Other attraction: This park is home to the Tomball Depot, which was used by travelers in during the early part of the twentieth century. Plans are to make it into a museum in the future.
When planning an outing to a park with an elderly client, caregivers should keep the following things in mind:
- Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Plan for inclement weather and dress accordingly.
- Bring snacks in case the client feels hungry or weak.
- Bring a cell phone to have in the event of an emergency.
- Avoid the hottest parts of the day, which occur between 10am and 3pm.
- Have a first aid kit in the car in the event of a bug bites or other minor injury.
- Use plenty of sunscreen.
Hearts at Home Senior Care is a care provider covering the town of Tomball. We offer senior care, respite care and elderly care with caregivers of the highest standard.
