Helping skilled nursing and rehab residents spend more time outside
Even when a resident understands the benefits of being active, their life circumstances can make it harder to find the motivation. Here are some tips we’ve found that can help a resident to get their daily steps in.
Skilled Nursing
Stay consistent: Repeating the same route, stopping at the same bench, and getting out at the same time of day helps residents associate the outdoors with a comfortable routine.
Plant lavender in the garden: Walking dementia residents past plants with calming scents, such as lavender, can help alleviate anxiety and encourage repeat visits.
Use simple, direct language cues: Saying “Let’s go see the flowers” rather than “Do you want to go outside?” gives dementia residents a clear suggestion, rather than a question with a potentially ambiguous answer.
Identify enclosed, secure outdoor spaces: Secure memory care-only environments, like our courtyard, give residents freedom to wander without the possibility of getting lost.
Rehabilitation
Provide wheelchair-accessible paths: Well-paved paths, like those that wind through Wingate at Silver Lake, allow wheelchair-bound residents to safely benefit from natural sunlight.
Use outdoor time as functional practice: Navigating a curb or a ramp under supervision can help a resident feel like outdoor time is an essential part of their recovery.
Bring a walker for ambitious walks: Even if a resident is capable of walking without assistance, having a caregiver bring along a walker provides them with the mental safety and comfort to push themselves further.
Track small wins visibly: Showing residents their average weekly steps can show how their outdoor time is aiding recovery. Avoid comparing progress on a day-to-day basis, as a resident’s capabilities can fluctuate within a week.
No matter the care needs, having a caregiver present at all times, or a simple communication card and identity bracelet, can keep residents safe during any activity.