Providing seniors with great days out is so important as they hit older age. As we get older there’s a real danger of loneliness and isolation, particularly as children and grandchildren get older and have their own things going on in their life.
Therefore, it’s important to take the time out and still create memories and make our loved ones feel valued.
The value of stimulating the brain with activities is something that’s often prioritised by professional caregivers that provide nursing care for elderly residents, with staff at Valorum Care Group, a nursing care provider with sites across the West Midlands, often highlighting the importance of keeping the brain engaged to reduce the risk of conditions such as dementia.
Across the West Midlands there are some fantastic days out that are perfect for seniors, offering a more relaxed atmosphere and pace while also stimulating the brain. So, as we move into the new year, here are five brilliant days out in the region, ideal for taking your elderly loved ones…
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
One of the best botanical gardens in the country, Birmingham Botanical Gardens offers a peaceful retreat and plenty of natural beauty. With four stunning glasshouses, the garden showcases flora and fauna from all over the world.
The pathways are well maintained, making it easy for elderly people to get around and soak up what is a truly sensory experience. What’s more, the tearoom is perfect for a sit down, sandwiches and some afternoon tea.
Ironbridge Gorge
For the history buffs, or elderly who wish to re-experience a site they’ve likely been to many times before if they’ve always been a resident of Redditch, Iron Bridge is of course a fantastic afternoon out. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a symbol of the part the West Midlands played in the Industrial Revolution, while the museums around are also great to immerse yourself in what life was like in the 18th and 19th century. You’ll need to be wary of the cobbled streets, but for a day soaking up history and the heritage of the area, it really is a captivating day out, with plenty of spots to stop and relax.
Stratford-upon-Avon
You can’t beat a bit of Shakespeare tourism and Stratford-upon-Avon is not only a brilliant town to spend a day out, including some fabulous spots for lunch, but also the Royal
Shakespeare Theatre, where some of the best performances of the great Bard’s work take place.
The venue is accessible to all needs, and will often host relaxed performances for those with the likes of dementia, making it a great place to enjoy some excellent theatre.
Worcester Cathedral
The city of Worcester offers a similar experience, with plenty of heritage but a relaxed pace to explore it all. The cathedral is a real masterpiece and certainly worth taking in with its intricate stonework and stained glass windows.
There are guided tours that can be taken around the cathedral, while the grounds are also well worth a stroll. It’s a quiet spot, perfect for contemplation and especially good to visit if your loved one is religious.
West Midland Safari Park
Going in a slightly different direction, the West Midland Safari Park, just a short drive from Redditch, offers a bit more adventure and excitement. Driving through the expansive enclosures, it can be a fun day out for elderly relatives that also have young family members, offering a fun shared experience.
There are lots of accessible trails outside of the enclosures too, with guided tours available, and all round it’s a day out that can really bring out the excited child in all of us.
