Why this helps:

A change of scenery can be transformative. A simple picnic—at a nearby park, a lake, or a quiet garden—offers fresh air, gentle movement, and the comfort of familiar outdoor sights. This is especially valuable during the early stages when ambulation is still possible. It’s a break from the indoors, a chance to feel the sun, and a reminder that the world outside is still available.

 

How to do it:

  • Pack simple finger foods: sub sandwiches, fruit, crackers, cheese.
  • Bring a blanket or choose a picnic table with a view.
  • Keep it short and low-stress. Stay as long as the energy allows.

 

Pro tip:

Choose a spot with accessible parking and a path that’s easy to navigate. The goal is enjoyment, not exertion.

Peaceful Midwestern Lake at dusk, similar to the lake area where I took my parents for picnics in the early stage of their dementia. The sun is shining on the upper parts of the trees surrounding the lake.

 

Comfort note:

If a longer outing feels overwhelming, start with a short 20-minute visit to a nearby bench. Even a brief change of scene can be deeply refreshing.

 

Novelty Journaling:

“Where did we go today? What did we notice—the water, the trees, the birds? How did the fresh air and new surroundings feel?”

Cover of a NOVELTY JOURNAL to record novel activities completed each day with people living with dementia. Keeping a beautiful journal inspires novel ideas for the following day. Reading the daily entries elicits memories of colorful events of the past.

Caregiver note:

You need the break too. Sitting by the water or under a tree can soothe your own spirit and remind you of the world beyond the walls.

 

Additional notes:

In the early years, a simple picnic by the lake can be a wonderful break from being indoors all day. Keep it easy—sandwiches, finger foods, fruit. Even a short visit to a nearby park can feel like a mini-vacation. And the photos from those evenings tell the story of joy that continued, even as dementia progressed.

 

While both parents were able to ambulate, we could not be confined! My father, the retired farmer, especially needed to get outdoors as frequently as possible. It was a pleasant, refreshing break for all of us. We would arrive back at the Ranch feeling very peaceful. Round trip travel was only a matter of a few minutes, but it always felt as though we might have been away for a day or two.

 

This was perfect on summer evenings during the early years –  before the wheelchair stage, of course. Easy, too, when it comes to meal preparation and clean-up.

 

Learn more about NOVELTY JOURNALING:

365 Ways to Say I Care
The NOVELTY EXPLAINER – Part I: What This Is

365 Ways to Say I Care
The Novelty Explainer – Part II: How Novelty Journaling Changes Us

Where attention goes, care begins.
365 Ways to Say I Care | ABeautifulVoice.org

Blog Author:

Zulekha ("Zuley") is a brilliant content writer who demonstrates empathy and compassion in storytelling.

Zulekha Ali (“Zuley”) is a freelance writer with a commitment to delivering informative and impactful content to enrich readers’ understanding and empower them to make informed decisions.

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Susan Troyer
Founder / Author, ABeautifulVoice.org 🌿

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