4 Dining Out Tips for Seniors

Dining out is something that many seniors enjoy, especially when they don’t have to go to their favorite restaurant alone. Whether they go with an adult child or with a home care provider, seniors love the social aspect of dining out as well as getting the chance to eat their favorite foods. Trying new restaurants can be fun, but nothing beats a great meal at a restaurant they have been going to for years. But seniors may find some things about eating out a little challenging, or a little embarrassing. Seniors can use these tips to make eating out a great experience with no worries or embarrassment:

Go To The Bathroom Upon Arrival

Seniors that have incontinence often worry about being too far away from the bathroom or having to get up and rush to the bathroom to avoid an accident. They also worry about having an accident and not realizing until it’s too late. To avoid any potential embarrassment or rushed bathroom trips seniors should use the bathroom when they get to the restaurant and before they sit down. That way they can be confident they’re going to be able to sit and enjoy their meal without any unexpected bathroom trips needed.

Use A Phone As A Magnifying Glass

Seniors who are having trouble reading the menu because of the small print, low light, and their own vision problems can smoothly use their phone as a magnifying glass so that they can see the print. Just open the camera, point it at the menu, and then zoom in. It will look like your senior parent is just scrolling on the phone but they will be able to see the menu clearly even if the type is very small.

Look Up The Menu Beforehand

Another way that seniors can avoid menu embarrassment is to look up the menu of the restaurant online before going. Home care providers can help seniors find the restaurant’s website on their phone or table and look it over. That way seniors can take their time looking over the whole menu to see what they might want to eat. And if necessary they can write down or memorize what they want so that when it’s time to order they can just tell their wait staff what they want and be confident about their order. Looking up the menu beforehand can also ensure that seniors will be able to find something they like on the menu.

Keep A Sense Of Humor

Mistakes happen, and so do accidents. When seniors go out to heat they may have any number of things go wrong. But seniors shouldn’t be embarrassed if they can’t hold their fork properly, can’t read the wine list, or put down the wrong amount of money after the meal. Having a good sense of humor and being able to laugh at any awkward or potentially embarrassing moments that come up will put everyone at ease. And seniors who can laugh at themselves or at awkward situations will always be popular meal companions.