I am often asked what eldercare or caregiving is. My answer is always that it can be different for every individual we care for – it can range from someone who requires 24/7 assistance, to someone who needs a visit a few hours a week for light chores and cultural outings. Cultural outings? What is that?
Cultural outings are simply leisure activities that everyone participates in. Examples may include taking a senior patient to their bridge club, to a movie, an organisation they’re included in, or anything else that is a part of their social life.
Why are cultural outings so important? Do people really need to pay a caregiver to take their senior loved one out on a cultural outing?
Cultural outings are important to quality of life. Many seniors who live alone fail to socialise or get out of the house very often, leaving them isolated and lonely. Having someone to take them out to enjoy their day can provide something to look forward to that they may not have had for some time. People often think of caregivers as someone who only performs duties such as trips to the doctor, liaising with a nurse, aiding with mobility issues, or doing chores around the house. But they are missing an essential part of a seniors life – caring for their happiness. Cultural outings supply that for seniors, and help caregivers and seniors to bond and form friendships.