A day out is a great way to experience new and exciting things, adding to the rich tapestry of life. For people with learning disabilities, going on an outing isn’t as simple as getting in the car and going. There are a number of things that need to be considered, but we’re experienced in arranging day trips at Halland House and do everything we can to make the outing go smoothly.
Things to consider when planning a day trip
There are lots of practical things that need to be taken into consideration when planning a day trip, starting with transport. Having our own minibus means transport isn’t a problem when arranging day trips at Halland House. It’s also important to select a location and activity that’s suitable for people with learning disabilities. While going outside of their comfort zone can be a rewarding experience, it is easy to become overstimulated and overwhelmed.
Fortunately, lots of places are becoming more accessible to people with different needs. If we’re taking out residents with mobility issues, we always make sure places are wheelchair-friendly.
Food and drink are another thing to consider when planning a day out. We either take picnics or plan a stop at a cafe, depending on where we’re going. If anyone has dietary requirements we always make sure there is something suitable for them.
Suitable activities and experiences
What kind of days out are suitable for people with learning disabilities? Like anyone, it will depend on personal preferences. Some people like going shopping, some like relaxing at the beach, and others like exciting theme parks. To some extent, choosing a destination will also depend on suitability.
More and more places are becoming suitable for days out for people with different needs. This isn’t just about ramps and disabled toilets, suitability can have a different meaning for people with learning disabilities. For example, some places have a quiet space available to anyone who feels overwhelmed and needs a break.
Our learning disabilities care home in Uckfield, East Sussex, is in the fortunate position of having lots of good places for outings nearby. It’s just a short trip to get to the historic town of Lewes, and the seaside resorts of Eastbourne and Brighton are in easy reach. We also have the beautiful South Downs National Park nearby for those who prefer a quieter outing.
If one of our residents wants to do a particular activity or visit somewhere they’ve heard about, we always do our best to make that happen for them. We think of ourselves as a family and we use person-centred care to help our residents lead happy and fulfilling lives.
Advantages of group days out
The fact that we go on outings as a small group can be hugely helpful. Having an understanding friend nearby is a good confidence boost, and of course we also take a team of carers to ensure everyone is well looked-after. We always make arrangements with venues in advance, so they know we are coming and are prepared for us.
We like our residents to feel like a part of the local community and leave a lasting impression, and visiting local shops and cafes is a great way to achieve that. Our daycare guests are welcome to join us on days out too, giving them the chance to enjoy new experiences and make friends.
You can find out more about Halland House and the services we offer by visiting our website or contacting us for more information.