April brought the return of sunshine, blue skies and warmer temperatures (and one small snowstorm, but we’ll look past that for now). If you’re ready to get out of the house and enjoy the spring weather, consider inviting your aging loved ones on a day trip. This is a wonderful way to spend quality time together while providing gentle physical activity and mental enrichment for older family members. You can tailor the location, duration and details of your trip to their specific needs—we’ve added some suggestions below.
A few reminders: always remember to pack accessibility items (their walker, a foldable wheelchair, a cane) as needed as well as snacks, water bottles, and any medications you’ll need while out for the day. Encourage your aging loved one to dress in layers so they remain comfortable, and consider bringing pillows or neck support for the car ride. A little planning makes a big difference, and comfort is key to success when traveling with seniors—even just for the day.
If you have any further questions or would like to know more about hiring a Personal Support Worker (PSW) in Toronto, please contact us. We’d be glad to answer your questions and provide a personalized quote.
Kleinburg (York Region)
Perhaps best known for being home to the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg also offers a beautiful main street with shops and restaurants to explore. It’s a short drive north of Toronto, making it convenient for those who want to limit travel time. Consider a visit to the art gallery followed by lunch in town—it’s a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! We recommend visiting on a weekday if you’d like to have a quieter, less busy experience.
Uxbridge (Durham Region)
Located northeast of Toronto, Uxbridge is a charming community that has lovely outdoor spaces, restaurants and shops. There are farm stands full of fresh produce, historical architecture that can be enjoyed on foot or by car, great restaurants, artisan shops and an excellent independent bookstore called Blue Heron Books. It’s also quite close to Port Perry, which offers many of the same small-town amenities as well as lakeside areas to explore.
Royal Botanical Gardens (Halton/Hamilton)
If you live in the west end of the city or don’t mind a longer drive, consider a day trip to the Royal Botanical Gardens. Located on the border of Burlington and Hamilton, this sprawling indoor and outdoor venue has beautiful gardens, a tea house, interesting exhibitions and small cafes and restaurants on site. It’s largely accessible (there are elevators and ramps indoors, and the main outdoor path is paved). This is a great place to visit if you’ve got younger family members as well—kids love the indoor koi pond, gnome garden and natural playground.
Contact us to learn more
Living Assistance Services is dedicated to providing high quality homecare to seniors in Toronto, Mississauga and the surrounding communities. Our caregivers are skilled, experienced and reliable, treating each client with compassion and respect. Please visit our website to learn more or contact us to arrange a free consultation. We look forward to speaking with you!