As the intense July heat continues to sweep across Ontario, many Toronto-area families are heading to the cottage. If you’ve got a property in Muskoka, the Kawarthas, Prince Edward County or another beautiful region, you may be considering a multigenerational family vacation. While we often encourage families to include their aging loved ones in their summer plans, there are a few things to consider before hitting the road. After all—the ideal family vacation is low stress, enjoyable for all and most importantly, safe.
If you have any questions about this information or would like to know more about high quality homecare services in Toronto, Mississauga or the surrounding communities, please visit our website or contact us. A member of the Living Assistance Services care team would be pleased to speak with you.
A helpful list
We love the idea of an inclusive, multigenerational family vacation, but the execution isn’t always easy. If you’d like to take your aging loved one to a cottage this summer, ask yourself these questions before making the trip. Don’t think of this as discouragement—it’s meant to help identify challenges and avoid them through careful planning.
- How long can your loved one comfortably travel by car—and what is the duration of your trip? Many seniors struggle with long car rides. While a cottage near Gravenhurst or Port Carling may be easily accessible, a vacation home near Manitoulin Island may be more challenging in terms of travel. It’s also worth considering the length of your trip—will you be there for a weekend, a week or longer? The ideal duration will depend on your family’s needs and preferences.
- Can you access medical care? While the ideal vacation doesn’t require medical attention, accidents and illnesses happen. Is your cottage close to a hospital or urgent care centre? If you had to call an ambulance, how long would it take for help to arrive? If you need to visit a pharmacy, is there one relatively nearby?
- Where will they sleep? A successful cottage trip requires a comfortable bed that your loved one can safely get in and out of. You may need to add grab bars or other safety features (these can be temporary or permanent). Ideally, your aging loved one’s bedroom would be located near a washroom. (More on that in a second!)
- What is the bathroom situation? Can your loved one easily access a washroom from the main gathering area? Is the bathroom easy to access if they have to use it overnight? If they have mobility devices, will they fit through the bathroom door? Can they use the toilet independently, and will they be able to safely take a shower? Identify any obstacles and address them before your trip.
- How will you cope with the heat? While some cottages are air-conditioned, many are not. Before heading north, look at the forecast and consider the tools you have available at the cottage—fans, portable cooling units, etc. Is the building in the shade or known for heating up? Are there large windows that allow proper airflow? Heatstroke is a serious risk to older individuals, so it’s best to exercise caution. Here are some hot weather reminders and safety tips from our care team.
- Can your loved one swim (or hang out by the lake)? A swim is a great way to cool down on a hot day. If your loved one enjoys the water, consider their safety. Can they get in and out of the lake (using steps, a ladder or walking into the water from a beach)? Do you have floatation devices they can use? If there’s a dock, is it accessible or do you need to climb up and down a set of stairs? If your aging loved one cannot swim (or does not want to), is there a shaded area where they can safely sit and enjoy family time from shore? You may need to make accommodations to your current set-up in order to say “yes” to one or more of these questions.
- Can you minimize tripping hazards? Falls are particularly dangerous to older individuals. Here are some tips you can apply to your cottage as well as your home!
- Will they be overstimulated? Time with family is wonderful, but if you’re traveling with a large number of children or rowdy adults, the trip may be overstimulating for seniors. Consider their comfort—you may want to travel with a smaller group, offer them a bedroom that’s removed from the noise, or simply adjust your behaviour to optimize their comfort.
- Can your family provide support with ADLs? If your aging loved one currently receives support from a PSW or other caregiver, will your family be able to replicate that support at the cottage? This may include assistance with bathing, dressing, mobility, nutrition, medication reminders and more. Some seniors may need help getting their shoes on and off while others require a higher level of care and assistance.
If you have any concerns that are specific to your loved one’s health or well-being, please speak with their family doctor. They can comment on the safety of traveling with your loved one and may have practical advice!
Contact us to learn more about high quality homecare services in Toronto
Thanks for reading—we hope this blog post has been helpful and encourage you to share it with any friends and family members who may benefit from the same information. Our care team is available to speak with current and prospective homecare clients 24/7, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about our services. From all of us at Living Assistance Services in Toronto, have a safe and happy summer!