How to Plan the Perfect Outing for Nursing Home Residents

When you’re organising an outing for nursing home residents, there are a number of things to consider as part of the planning process. From where to go and how you’ll get there to which activities will suit everyone, there’s a lot to remember. That’s why in this guide, we’ll be discussing how to plan the perfect outing for your nursing home residents, to make it a day to remember.

Leasing a Minibus

When you’re arranging an outing for your nursing home residents, it’s important that you get the basics right to ensure the day runs smoothly. This includes making sure that the transport option you choose is safe and accessible for you and your residents. The Minibus Centre offer a range of minibus services including purchasing and leasing that would be perfect for your group, especially if your trip destination is a fair distance away. Minibuses also make it easy for everyone to travel together, rather than breaking off into smaller groups.

Find the Best Places to Eat

It goes without saying that when you’re travelling on a day trip in a large group, everyone may have different opinions around what to do for lunch. Finding the best places to eat is therefore an important part of the planning process. Take time to speak with your residents to understand their preferences and whether you can find some common ground. As someone who cares for nursing home residents, you should also consider any special accommodations that might be needed to support your group at lunchtime, paying particular attention to dietary requirements and restaurant accessibility.

Choose Seasonal Activities

To give your residents a day to remember, try to choose seasonal activities that fit the time of year when you go on an outing. A trip to the pumpkin patch around Halloween, or to the Christmas markets during the festive season, can inspire your residents and leave them with lasting memories. Just remember to encourage your residents to dress appropriately for the weather whatever time of year.

Explore Local History

Whichever destination you choose for your outing, discovering the history of the area is a fantastic way to bring your group together and learn something you didn’t know. From exploring hidden gems to walking the halls of some of the UK’s top museums, you can plan the perfect outing for your nursing home residents by chatting with them about the periods of history that they’re most interested in and then building your itinerary around their responses.

Prepare for a Medical Emergency

While you don’t want anything to go wrong on your trip, it’s important that before you head off you prepare for an unexpected medical emergency and know what to do if one arises. Many nursing home residents have complex care needs, and communicating with their family members and medical professionals about their unique requirements can help you to understand more about what to do if faced with an unexpected emergency.

Planning the perfect outing for your nursing home residents can be challenging, especially if everyone has different ideas around where they want to go and what they want to do. However, by following these top tips and ensuring that you provide safe transportation and have a plan for emergencies, you can work with them towards a day full of fun and new experiences.