We understand that taking your grandparents camping can be a big responsibility for some people. However, camping is one of the best ways to enjoy yourself with your family, and it’s pretty safe compared to other outdoor activities.
With that in mind, we’ll help you ensure their safety and well-being on their trip. So keep on reading for some excellent tips that might slip your mind but will make a world of difference on your camping trip.
8 Things You Need to Know About Camping for Elderly
As burdensome as it is, we guarantee your grandparents will be safe and sound if you follow this list, so make sure to read it thoroughly.
1. Comfort
For the elderly, Comfort is one thing that should never be compromised, especially that it can easily lead to a serious problem. For instance, if they sleep in a sleeping bag, they’ll wake up with back pain. Not to mention, getting up can be troublesome. Instead, it’s best to use an air mattress that’s a little high up from the ground.
Additionally, while most young campers go on hikes and look for adventure, older people go camping to enjoy nature and have some time away from the city. Consequently, it’s essential to bring camp chairs that allow them to relax throughout the trip.
The good news is, you can find a variety of mattresses and chairs in most camping retailers, including air bed frames with different heights, padded chairs, camping hammocks, and more.
2. Medications
Older people usually take medications for different conditions, regardless of their severity. It’s crucial that they don’t forget to take their meds while camping, and it’s even more important to take a copy of the prescription. This way, whether they forget a certain medication or lose it, they can instantly get a refill from the nearest pharmacy.
3. First Aid Kit
Unfortunately, we become more prone to minor accidents as we get older. Accordingly, it’s best if you have a first aid kit somewhere around just in case. In addition to taking basic first aid essentials like plasters, bandages, and painkillers, make sure to include any extra emergency medication that they could possibly need.
For example, if someone is allergic to insect bites, don’t forget to take their antihistaminic drug. Also, asthma patients shouldn’t forget their reliever inhaler, hypertensive patients should bring their sphygmomanometer if they have one, etc.
4. Campsite
Some campsites are more challenging than others, so you should find an appropriate one before planning your trip.
First, you need to narrow it down to campsites with toilets, water supply, and access to electricity. Then, we recommend reading reviews written by other campers and focusing on reviews by other elderly rather than reviewers of younger age groups.
5. Tents
There are numerous designs for tents on the market, which makes picking the right one a bit challenging. Nonetheless, if you know what to look for, it won’t be as confusing.
For starters, you need to pick a tent that allows your grandparents to stand up straight, so they don’t have to bend their back all the time. Also, this ensures that they have enough space for an airbed frame that’s away from the ground.
We also recommend getting a tent with multiple rooms and a living space that they can stay in when it gets too cold outside. Moreover, the tent shouldn’t be difficult to pitch or takedown, which is why we recommend getting a tent with reliable zippers and practicing how to set it up before actually going to the campsite.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the weather changes all the time, so you should always be prepared for some rain. Thus, pick double-layered tents that are made of water-resistant materials.
6. Clothing
Staying warm is a must for the elderly, not only because they don’t tolerate cold weather but also because they tend to have weakened immunity. This makes them more susceptible to catching a cold and lung infections.
The following tips will help your grandparent stay warm while camping:
- Always bring extra blankets.
- Use heavy rugs on the floor of the tent.
- Pack warm clothing.
- Don’t forget to take a jacket.
- Make sure to bring a kettle to make hot drinks.
7. Lighting
As mentioned earlier, it’s best to pick campsites that provide access to electricity. However, you should always be prepared in case the lights go out, especially that falling is quite common and can cause serious injuries for someone with bone or joint disease.
As per the above, one should always bring lanterns, torches, and extra batteries. Another excellent idea is to bring a solar-powered light source, so it never dies on you. Add to this neon guide ropes that are inserted inside tents in case you woke up in the middle of the night.
8. Meals
Lucky for you, many restaurants open near campsites, which is a bonus for the days when no one feels like preparing a meal.
That being said, it would be best if you pre-plan your meals or even prepare them before going on the trip, to begin with, so you can heat them straight away. Yet, if you feel like having a barbecue, stick to gas stoves rather than charcoal ones because they’re more practical, faster, and easier for anyone to use.
Last but not least, don’t forget to bring all the necessary kitchen utensils and the cleaning products needed to wash them up, so your grandparents don’t have trouble with packing them on their way back home.
Final Verdict
As you can tell, helping your grandparents prepare for a camping trip is a simple task. As long as they have a comfortable tent to stay in, their medications, and the right clothing and meals, they’ll get by. Of course, it’ll be much better if you accompany them so you can keep an eye on them, and it’s always fun to have them around.