There’s nothing quite like springtime in the northeast. Here in Essex County, flowers are blooming and temperatures are rising, giving all residents a bit of spring fever. However, if you or your loved one is living with dementia, it can be difficult to find events that are safe to attend and are not too stimulating. We’ve got you covered with some activity inspiration to enjoy with your loved one in the area.
Stroll Through the Community Gardens
This year, the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs opened the Riker Hill Community Garden. Anyone who lives in the community can apply for a plot and plant veggies or flowers. You don’t have to have a plot in the garden to enjoy the talents of others. Consider taking a stroll throughout the community garden and admiring the hard work of fellow Essex County gardeners.
If you are still searching for more beautiful flowers to enjoy, visit the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens. Even when the flowers are not in bloom, it’s a great place to enjoy some solitude and fresh air.
Search for Birds or Solitude
Pack a bottle of water and a few snacks and hit any of the local trails that run throughout the Essex County Parks System. West Essex Park and Grover Cleveland Park are great spots to explore; don’t forget to grab your binoculars as well to try your hand at bird-watching.
Visit the Turtle Back Zoo
With hundreds of animals to see, you’ll never get bored during your visit to the Turtle Back Zoo. Try visiting early in the day for just a few hours, long before afternoon anxiety (which is common for seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia) sets in. Admission is inexpensive, making the quick jaunt well worth it even if you only see a few exhibits.
Catch a Baseball Game
Watching a baseball game with a hot dog in hand is a springtime tradition you can’t skip. Consider heading just 30 minutes away to Bridgewater to watch the Somerset Patriots in action. The park is fully accessible if need be, and there’s plenty of room for getting up and stretching your legs in between innings.
Stay at Home
You don’t have to venture out in order to enjoy the spring season with your loved one. Instead, consider bringing along a few items to make your next series of visits extra special. For example, pick up a few terracotta pots, soil, and plants on your way to your loved one’s home. You can get your hands dirty together by planting flowers, herbs, or veggies that will last all season long.
You can also pack a picnic of fresh foods from your local farmers market, sampling a taste of the season. Eat outdoors to make it feel like an extra-special event. Finally, get your loved one involved when preparing the foods; snapping green beans on the porch or shucking corn is a skill they will not have forgotten.
Finally, you can take advantage of the windy or blustery spring days by picking up a few kites to fly during your visit. Even if you can’t keep the kites in the air for too long, it’s a fun way to participate in an activity together while reminiscing about past memories.
Staying Safe
If your loved one has been experiencing cognitive loss, you do need to take a few extra safety precautions before you go out together. Pack a bottle of water and a few snacks, as well as any hygiene items that they may need during your time out. Ensure that your contact information is written down on a piece of paper and tucked into their purse or wallet.
Finally, plan your activities or trips during the best time of day for your loved one. In most cases, this will be the morning or early afternoon. Try to avoid the late afternoon or evening hours, as well as going to busy or loud places, which can be overstimulating or even cause agitation.
You can learn more about the challenges of dementia by downloading our free guide, “Living Well with Dementia.” This resource, co-written with Arbor Terrace residents who are living through the early stages of cognitive decline, will give you the information you need to plan successful visits with your loved one.
Benefits of Dementia Care
At Arbor Terrace Roseland, our Evergreen memory care residents enjoy activities, trips, and events throughout the months. Our specially trained staff get to know each of our residents and use that information to provide personalized care, including choosing events and activities our residents will love. We load up our bus and explore the surrounding community regularly, giving our residents the opportunity to share fun experiences with their friends.
Learn more about our community by scheduling your personalized tour. We would be honored to show you what life looks like inside our beautiful community.
.jpeg)
