Summer isn’t complete without a picnic. Plan one in your own backyard and invite your parent with ideas from BrightStar Care.

1. Backyard Picnic Ideas for Seniors

2. A picnic can be a fun summer activity the whole family can enjoy
together, but there are some special considerations to keep in
mind when elderly family members will be part of your get
together.

3. Luckily, planning a picnic right in your own backyard can simplify
things without compromising the fun. Read on for easy picnic
ideas that will create lasting memories for Grandma, Grandpa,
your children, and you.

4. Prepare for the Elements
The beauty of hosting a picnic in your backyard is that you can
control a variety of factors. Choose a shaded spot on even terrain
to protect your parent from overheating or falling. You’ll also
want easy access to the backdoor for bathroom trips and in the
event the weather suddenly turns.
Of course, if your parent has a condition that makes picnicking
outside too difficult, you can always plan a picnic indoors, or
simply take them for a picturesque car ride.

5. Select the Right Seating
In addition to looking for a spot
with even terrain, you’ll also want
to think about what sort of seating
will provide most comfort to your
parent. In most cases, a table is
preferable to eating on the ground
as getting up and down can pose a
challenge to seniors with limited
mobility. A camping or card table is
easy to transport in and out of
doors and hits at a good height for
seniors in wheelchairs. We
recommend chairs with backs over
benches.

6. Plan the Menu
When cooking food for your picnic, remember that the focus of
the day is on spending quality time together—you, your parent,
your kids, and other extended family. Choose simple, healthy
foods; you don’t need to plan a gourmet meal. If your parent has
difficulty chewing, take corn off the cob and meat off the bone,
but do this in the kitchen rather than out in front of guests,
which might embarrass your parent.
Chunks of watermelon make a sweet treat to cap the meal.
Finally, keep water glasses full as seniors are more vulnerable to
heat stroke and exhaustion.

7. Organize Fun and Games
Soft background music creates a relaxing atmosphere. You might
find some of your parent’s favorite music online for a personal
touch. If you don’t have a portable speaker, simply putting your
smart phone in a bowl will help amplify its sound.
A deck of cards and games of Go Fish or Rummy help pass the
time, but sometimes the best fun is unplanned, like simply
letting grandparents engage with their grandkids by telling
stories or describing the shapes in passing clouds. Don’t stress
yourself out trying to plan the perfect day. Keeping things simple
will allow you to enjoy yourself, too.

8. Find Quality Care Now
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