22 Unique Summer Activities You Can Do With Your Support Workers

Summer is fast approaching, and you may be wondering how to engage your loved one with support needs. If you want to go on outdoor adventures, attend museums and indoor venues or even relax in the comfort of your own home, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled a list of the best activities you or a loved one can do with their support worker this summer.

Carers for people with disabilities or older Australians is one of the fastest growing occupations nationwide. The number of census respondents identifying as an Aged or Disability Care Support Worker was 227,535 in 2021 – a 72% increase since 2016.

Support work is a challenging but rewarding career path, which most people pursue out of love for helping people lead independent, meaningful lives. One important part of support work is assisting people in accessing their local communities and engaging in hobbies and cultural and social events.

Benefits of planning outings with your loved ones during the summer

Summer in Australia is unique for its long, dry heat waves and proximity to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, parks, and gardens. It also coincides with the festive season and several public holidays when Australians spend time with the ones they love the most.

For people with health issues, disabilities, or seniors, it can be tricky to know the best way to approach outings during the summer. Some people struggle with prolonged exposure to the heat, and added precautions for sun safety and preventing dehydration or heat exhaustion often require some extra planning.

However, there are also many important benefits of getting outside and embracing the warm weather and increased hours of sunlight. Here are just some of the health, social, and psychological benefits of planning summer outdoor activities with your loved ones or clients.

1. Vitamin D exposure

While excess sun exposure has risks, a moderate amount of SPF-protected sunlight has several physical and mental health benefits. The sun helps our bodies produce vitamin D, which is critical for our health and difficult to get from dietary sources alone. Low vitamin D levels can contribute to low bone mineral density or even lead to bone-wasting diseases like osteoporosis or osteomalacia. 

Low vitamin D can also increase the risk of developing low mood or depressive symptoms, and people with depression are also more likely to be chronically deficient in this important mineral.

2. Social inclusion and connection

Summer is a time when many of us head outdoors to enjoy the longer hours of sunshine and warmer weather. It’s crucial that our older loved ones or those with disabilities aren’t excluded from this, or they may experience social isolation and loneliness. 

Making sure your loved ones have the opportunity to get out and about to do the things they love is a great way of ensuring they continue to lead a healthy, happy, fulfilling life regardless of the season.

3. Enjoying the festive season with loved ones

Being in the Southern hemisphere, Australians are one of a handful of countries that celebrate Christmas in the summer. Getting your loved ones comfortable and confident in heading outdoors in the warmer months can help you and them to prepare for a festive season full of connection, fun, and good food shared with the people they love most.

4. Mental health benefits of spending time in nature

It’s well documented that spending time outdoors benefits our mental well-being. Some of the benefits of spending time in green spaces include reduced stress, frustration, and anger, improved mood, more relaxation, and improved confidence and self-esteem. 

5. Promotes physical and mental activity

Outdoor activities inherently involve more walking and physical activity than spending time at home. Exposure to new environments can also help keep the mind active and stimulated. Maintaining gentle exercise and mental engagement is a great predictor of successful ageing and maintaining more independence. 

6. It may reduce or prevent certain illnesses

People with mobility issues or those who are frailly aged may avoid spending time outdoors, finding it tiring or overwhelming. However, some research suggests that anyone can benefit from spending more time in green space. One study found that spending time outdoors was associated with a lower risk of type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, preterm birth, stress, and high blood pressure.

22 Unique summer activities your elderly loved ones can do with their support workers

Here is a helpful list of the best activities your loved ones can do with their support workers this summer.

10 Indoor activities to do with your support worker

Is the weather too hot, or is a summer thunderstorm approaching? No worries! You can do these fun activities with your support worker from the comfort and safety of your own home.

1. Write a diary

Write a memoir of your life to share with your loved ones and look back on in the future. Add old photos and any other memorabilia you can find, like letters, show tickets, or other mementos.

2. Join a group activity

Join a group to enjoy your favourite hobby. Whether you love board games, painting, reading, or learning new languages, there is a group for everyone. Check out Meetup to find a group that interests you in your area, or start your own!

3. Develop your computer skills

We live in a digital world, so days spent at home with your support worker are great opportunities for building your confidence and skills with a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Gaining these skills is fun and rewarding and will make staying connected to the people you love that much easier. If you’re in Western Australia, why not learn new skills with others at the regular senior-friendly tech time? You’ll learn valuable technology skills and meet new friends in a supportive environment.

4. Calm and centre your mind

Practice mindfulness strategies like gentle yoga, meditation, journaling, or using adult colouring books to find inner peace and calm.

5. Belt out your favourite tunes with karaoke

Singing your favourite songs is a sun and stress-relieving activity that anyone can enjoy. You don’t even need a special karaoke machine, as most songs have a karaoke version available on YouTube.

6. Celebrate the holidays your way

Not everyone celebrates Christmas, and it is so important to honour and stay connected to any special holidays or events from your own culture. Ask your support worker to help you engage in any traditional activities, and share them with the people you love most.

7. Baking

Bake some delicious goodies to enjoy with friends, family, support workers, and neighbors. You’ll quickly become a favourite person on your street when you start delivering your delicious baked treats!

8. Join a volunteer group

Volunteer for an organisation that is near and dear to your heart. Leading up to the holidays, many need help planning events, wrapping gifts, or checking in on people living alone. Giving back is not only a kind and gracious act. It is often incredibly rewarding and gives one a sense of purpose and connection.

9. Have a Zoom family reunion.

If your loved ones live far away or can’t get together in person, your support worker can help set up a video conference call where everyone can get together virtually. The connection doesn’t have to happen face to face to greatly impact your mood and sense of well-being.

10. Play a game or do a puzzle.

Sudoku, jigsaws, crosswords, word searches, and board games are all fantastic for keeping your mind active and passing the time in a fun and relaxing way.

12 Outdoor activities to do with your support worker

Feeling like venturing into the great outdoors but aren’t sure where to begin? We have you covered. Here are some fun, relaxing, and exciting ways to spend time outside with your support worker this summer.

1. Swimming

Swimming in an outdoor pool is amazing for so many reasons. You get the benefits of sunlight, vitamin D (just don’t forget a waterproof sunscreen!), and some gentle, low-impact exercise from swimming and paddling around. Swimming and aquarobics are the perfect way to get exercise while avoiding injury from falls and joint issues. Water-based activity is an effective way to keep fit, especially if you have chronic health conditions such as arthritis, joint problems, and circulation issues.

2. Gardening

Gardening is another low-impact, gentle activity that is surprisingly good for keeping fit and active. Maintaining a beautiful front yard gives us and our neighbours and visitors something nice to look at, a sense of pride in your home, and the benefits of spending time in nature.

3. Join outdoor yoga or Tai Chi classes

Outdoor yoga or Tai Chi classes can be found in most suburbs and localities. Simply do a web search (or ask your support worker to do it for you) of yoga or Tai Chi classes near you to find a group to join. You will get amazing benefits like improved balance, strength, and stress relief and may even find a group of new friends.

4. Picnic in the park

Dining alfresco is so relaxing and immediately transports you to a state of relaxation and leisure. There is something so special about enjoying delicious treats with loved ones while enjoying the scenery and people-watching. Ask your loved ones to bring their favourite dish to share and enjoy a day of good food, company, and fresh air.

5. Pick some fresh local fruit

Summer is an amazing time for many seasonal fruits like berries, cherries, mango, and peaches. Find a local farm that allows you to pick your own fruit and enjoy the smells, sights, and taste of fruit fresh off the tree or vine. 

6. Bird watching

Australia is blessed with many gorgeous species of wildlife, including hundreds of different birds. Get your binoculars or just some sunglasses, and see how many types of Australian birdlife you can identify.

7. Markets, fairs, and fetes

Summer is the season of outdoor festivals, fairs, and fetes for all interests. From local crafts to food, wine to music, something is sure to grab your interest.

8. Yard games

Lawn bowls, bocce, cricket, and ring or beanbag tosses are great ways to spend time outdoors with friends and family. Set up a few games in your back or front yard to connect with those you love. You can even buy a fun prize for the winner to make an event out of it.

9. Metal detecting

You never know what treasures or trinkets may lay beneath the surface in your local park, garden, beach, or even your own backyard! You can buy inexpensive metal detectors online and enjoy the thrill of discovering hidden objects.

10. Visit a sensory garden

If you’re in Melbourne, head to the Kensington Neighbourhood Centre for a free program to enjoy gardening, stimulate your senses with the scenery, and immerse yourself in nature before relaxing with a delicious morning tea. Bookings are essential, so click here to book or find out more.

11. Discover nocturnal wildlife

If the summer days are too hot, enjoy the beautiful cool breeze in the evenings and discover the amazing wildlife that comes out to play at night. Western Australia leads regular night walks led by an expert who can show you all the sights and introduce you to Perth’s famous and adorable microbat.

12. Head to the cinema

Head to the cinema for cheap movie deals. Escape the heat and enjoy your favourite films in a comfortable, air-conditioned cinema. If you’re in South Australia, check out this list of the best budget movie deals for seniors.

7 Tips for planning safe outings for seniors this summer

To avoid any health and safety issues when venturing out this summer, here are some important tips to remember to prepare your elderly loved ones for the sun and heat.

1. Stay hydrated

Always have a water bottle on hand and ensure there are places to refill it available.

2. Apply sun protection

Always remember your sun protection and slip, slop, slap. Wear a hat and light-coloured clothing that covers your skin to avoid sunburn and skin damage. Check out the SunSmart website for UV alerts and more sun safety advice.

3. Sort out emergy contacts

Have important phone numbers and emergy contacts ready to call on if needed.

4. Apply bug spray and repellants

Use bug spray and repellants to prevent irritating buzzards or mosquito bites.

5. Prepare your medication

Bring any medications, and consider using preventative medication for relevant health conditions like asthma.

6. Schedule breaks in the shade

Schedule breaks in the shade and always check the forecast before heading out. Avoid extreme weather and know when to stay indoors.

7. Get a helping hand from a professional support worker

Going out alone in extreme weather can be stressful and even dangerous. Bring a trusted friend or family member, or call on the support of a dedicated support worker from Homage’s trustworthy and compassionate team of Care Pros. Our companionship service is specifically tailored to your unique needs, interests, and preferences. Contact us today to start planning an exciting summer filled with fun events and social outings.

Provide the best care to your loved one today!