A successful outing takes thoughtful preparation, writes La’Tesia Jones, life enrichment director at a North Carolina memory care center. She shares tips from her experience in planning accessible outings for seniors and families.
It’s exciting to have something to look forward to. Whether it’s a reservation at your favorite restaurant, a trip out of town, or simply an afternoon drive with a chocolate milkshake waiting on you at the end, the excitement leading up to the actual event isn’t just fun, it brings social connection and conversation about a shared experience long after the event has taken place.
“Do you remember when we went to the casino, and the waiter brought you everything except what you ordered?” – and then a laugh is shared.
This type of social connection and emotional well-being is especially important for seniors. However, when planning an outing with older adults who have special needs, a little preparation can make all the difference in whether the trip is a positive experience.
As a life enrichment director, I plan regular off-site trips for the residents I work with. In planning monthly outings, I’ve learned that accessibility, comfort, and even the tiniest of details all matter just as much as the destination itself.
In this guide, I’ll share what I look for when planning outings for residents along with the practical considerations that can help families create meaningful (and stress-free) memories together.
Tips for planning accessible outings
Preparation and research are key. Be aware of what you’ll need to look out for and how to find that essential information.
Research the venue before you go
When planning accessible outings for seniors, research is going to be key. There have been many instances where I’ve found different locations I thought would be a great place to take residents but quickly found that they weren’t. So, before I put any outings on my activity calendar, I’ll do a deep dive of the locations using Google, the venue’s website, and even TikTok. Each of these platforms give me different, but very helpful information. Here’s why they’re so helpful.
Search engine: basic information and honest insight
- NAP: Google is a great start to find a business’s basic information such as its name, address, and phone number.
- Star ratings and reviews: This factor shouldn’t necessarily be a determining factor, but it does allow you to see the good and bad reviews from real customers. Seeing how a business responds to bad reviews is helpful to see as well. Did someone from the business owner respond or apologize for the customer’s unsatisfactory experience?
- Busy times: This will show you the busiest and slowest times of a business, which is great to know for seniors who may potentially get overwhelmed in large crowds.
- Photos from visitors: Google photos come from real people who have visited a particular location. It can reveal the cleanliness of a location, how seating is set up, and whether a location looks easy to navigate with or without mobility devices.
- Maps/directions: Google Maps will tell you time and distance to your desired destination from your starting location. This helps you to determine what time you need to leave. Another helpful tool is Street View. It lets you see the location, nearby streets, and surrounding buildings.
The venue’s website: official company information
A venue’s official website is going to confirm some of the information you found on Google, such as phone number, address, and business hours, but sometimes, depending on where you’re going, you can find information about wheelchair rental information, ADA information, seating options (standing room only or bench seating), and even interactive virtual tours.
TikTok: a real-time walkthrough
This research method may scale unconventional, but this platform will show you a live and real-time take on how an establishment can be experienced. Here’s what to look for in TikTok videos when considering a good place for a senior outing:
- Overall vibe and feel
- Crowd level
- Lighting and noise level
- Type of music being played (if any at all)
- Walking surfaces
- Types of seating (booth seating, chairs with backs, or stools)
When planning outings for seniors and families, research is a key factor in reducing surprises (even preventing them), ensuring a smooth trip for everyone.
Visit the venue in person
Even after conducting thorough research online of a venue, I still like to do a physical walkthrough of the location for added peace of mind. For me, the parking lot is a big determining factor, simply because I drive a 15-passenger shuttle bus with a wheelchair lift gate. For families in standard vehicles, here’s what you will want to look for when visiting a location in person:
Entry and parking
- Are there ramps outside for wheelchairs or walkers? Do those ramps have sturdy handrails for seniors without mobility devices?
- Is there enough handicap parking?
- How far is the parking lot to the venue?
- Is there ample lighting in the parking lot at night?
Flooring/walking surfaces
- Even, non-slip floors
- Wide walkways
- Uneven floors
- Poorly marked steps
Restroom accessibility
- Distance from main area to restroom
- Grab-bars
- Enough space for mobility devices
Call the venue
I only call a venue when I feel an establishment meets my criteria for being a good fit for the residents. These are the key points I discuss on the phone with the venue:
- Can reservations be made over the phone?
- How many people will be coming on what day and time.
- How many mobility devices we have, the types of devices, and if there is anywhere they can be stored during our visit, if necessary.
- Are there any accommodations that can be made with the menu (including if certain menu items can be chopped or pureed – never hurts to ask)
- Do you offer senior discounts?
Planning with purpose
With every successful senior outing, there is always thoughtful preparation. As a life enrichment director, taking the time to research and assess accessibility ahead of time allows seniors and families to focus more on emotional connections instead of challenges, giving everyone something to look forward to.
Related: Finding Accessible Hotels
