The event was definitely in the category of “I don’t know if this will work, but I’d like to try.” As a new and green Life Enrichment Coordinator with lots of energy, I often had “outside the box” ideas which left my co-workers shaking their heads.
I purchased a kiddie pool from the grocery store down the street and placed it in our central garden. The hose filled about half way, but then I hauled bucket after bucket of warm water to make it bathtub warm. Finally, I persuaded residents to come out to the garden, which included pushing several wheelchairs. At first they smiled (they were used to my crazy ideas) but demurred, but then one lady took off her stockings, rolled up her pants and put her feet in. Before long, every inch of the pool was filled with residents soaking their feet, even splashing a little, and smiling. The picture of those happy faces remains in my memory to this day.
Summer presents us with so many possibilities, and sometimes we need to sprinkle a little fairy dust on our imaginations and try something new. Here are a list of suggestions. Not all will be possible for everyone’s ability and mobility, and certainly not all will appeal. But you may find an idea that sparks with you.
- Take a walk, using a different route each time. Wear a device which counts your steps and challenge yourself to go a little farther. Take pictures of interesting things you see.
Start bird watching.- Go to a park with a splash pad and watch the children.
- Visit a farmer’s market.
- Window shop in a small town. Or go in and support a small, family business.
- Visit a petting zoo and talk to the animals.
- Watch a parade.
- Visit an outdoor concert in a park.
- Sit on a swing and look at the sky.
- Spend some time in the garden. Pull a few weeds, deadhead flowers, prop up a plant.
- Put up a birdbath or hummingbird feeder and watch nature come to you.
- I once went zip lining. It involved climbing a tree to get onto a platform, something I couldn’t do today. However, most zip lines only require you to ascend steps to get to the starting point. You are strapped into extensive gear and only need to push yourself off. All of this I know I could handle, even with restricted mobility. The experience of flying over the trees is one I have never forgotten and would repeat in a heartbeat.
- I’ve also heard that a hot air balloon ride is an unparalleled experience. It’s on my bucket list.
- Go fishing! It’s not everyone’s favourite, but I love it, and I hire a fishing charter every
year when visiting Manitoulin Island. I can’t get into a regular boat any more, but charters have bigger boats and it’s possible to walk on and off. And when you feel the tug on your line… - Pick fruit. Many large orchards accommodate wheelchairs so that anyone can pick low hanging fruit.
- Go to a ball game. Buy an overpriced hot dog and soda and cheer your team.
- Make bubbles. I love bubbles. If you aren’t comfortable doing it by yourself, invite some neighbourhood kids or your grandchildren over. To made ginormous bubbles, you will need this Bubble Wand for Huge Bubbles and this Bubble Solution for Bubbles that Last . You can tell that I’m serious about my bubbles, but these are so fun.
While you are outside getting sunshine and fresh air, you are making memories. And those are priceless.