Caregiver in Nazareth PA
June 4 is National Trails Day. This is the perfect opportunity for you to add some fun and excitement into your caregiver journey with your aging parent and encourage your loved one to get active and healthy. This holiday is set aside to promote the joys and benefits of hiking for beginner and experienced hikers alike. Getting out and enjoying the beauty of nature and the health benefits of hiking with your aging parent is a wonderful way to encourage more physical and cognitive activity, promoting better health and a higher quality of life.
As with any activity that you plan to enjoy with your aging parent, it is important that you plan carefully to ensure that your loved one stays safe and healthy while enjoying the trails. Use these tips to help you prepare for National Trails Day with your senior loved one:
- Know the trails. Hiking on natural trails offers many benefits over just walking along a sidewalk or roadside. Being out in the trails means that your parent’s joints and muscles can benefit from the natural elevation changes and topographical differences. This makes them stronger and more flexible while also improving balance and stability. Trails can change dramatically, however, from one spot to another and it is important that you are aware of these changes so that you can select the trails that are right for your parent. Look for trails that offer a challenge but that are not so difficult that they could be dangerous for your loved one.
- Plan shorter. Being outside is wonderful and you might want to plan for a trail that will let you enjoy the beauty and fun for as long as possible. It is important to remember, however, that when you head out on your walk you will need to be able to walk back to the beginning. This means that you should not be tired by the time you get to the end of your path. Instead, determine how far your parent can walk comfortably and choose a trail that is that long from beginning to end and back to beginning again.
- Be prepared. Hiking is not something that you can simply do on a whim. You must have the supplies that you may need to stay healthy, safe, and comfortable while hiking. This should include water, high energy snacks, a first aid kit, a blanket, and a reliable form of communication. This will ensure that you are prepared in the event of an emergency such as an injury or taking a wrong turn and getting lost.
- Take pictures. While you are thinking about the safety issues associated with your hike, be sure that you also remember to bring along your camera. You are going to see many beautiful sights while you are hiking and will want to remember this special time that you have with your loved one. Consider investing in a weatherproof camera that will remain intact even if it rains or you accidentally drop it in a puddle while out in nature.
If you are considering caregiver services in Nazareth, PA, contact the caring staff at Extended Family Care of Allentown. Call today at (610) 200-6097.
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