Living in London with a loved one experiencing signs of dementia can be as uniquely rewarding as it is challenging. Days out may need to be carefully planned to ensure accommodations can be made and comfort levels are maintained, thereby avoiding the exacerbation of symptoms. When done correctly, London is full of lovely opportunities for people with dementia to engage with joyful and fulfilling experiences.
From relaxing greenery to stimulating museums and delicious cafes, London’s dementia-friendly days out are second to none. Today, we’ll explore several potential days out suitable for people with dementia and their families.
1. Visit one of London’s amazing museums
London is home to numerous incredible museums, many of which are easily accessible and conveniently located in the heart of the capital city. Museums are quiet, peaceful and relaxing, which is perfect for people with dementia who may become overwhelmed easily by London’s usual crowds and noise.
Many museums offer guided tours for people with dementia, ensuring you get the most out of your visit, and provide quiet zones for relaxation should your loved one need a moment.
Popular dementia-friendly museums in London include:
We recommend calling the museum you plan to visit beforehand to ensure they can accommodate your loved one’s needs. Many museums employ staff who are well-versed in dementia awareness and will be more than happy to help throughout your visit.
2. Take a tour around London
London is a hub for tourists, with plenty of options to take you around the classic sights. A London Bus Tour is an excellent choice for people with dementia, as there’s minimal walking required and you can choose whether you want to listen to the guided tour or not. Many people with dementia will be happy to sightsee without extra information about the landmarks.
You’ll be able to choose from a number of popular routes, each getting close to landmarks without excess walking or busy crowds. Enjoy the comfort of a double-decker bus, offering a premium vantage point in style.
Popular tourist attractions you and your loved one could see are:
- Buckingham Palace
- Royal Albert Hall
- Big Ben
- St Paul’s Cathedral
- Hyde Park
- Oxford Street
- Downing Street
Many sightseeing buses allow you to hop on and off as you please, so you can make the most of your day while taking adequate rest stops and food breaks to prevent your loved one from becoming overwhelmed.
3. Visit London Zoo
London Zoo boasts 410 acres of space to explore, filled with fascinating flora and fauna, including animals such as lions, llamas, penguins and pygmy hippos. While the zoo tends to attract a lot of visitors at peak times, there’s plenty of space to spread out, so crowds aren’t tightly packed or dangerous.
London Zoo takes accessibility for visitors very seriously, so rest assured your loved one’s needs can be met during your day trip. You can hire a wheelchair or mobility scooter for your loved one, with the majority of the zoo being accessibility-friendly.
If your loved one benefits from a calm and quiet environment, London Zoo offers relaxed tours. These events take place outside of regular opening hours to ensure you have the best possible experience, without the distractions of playing children or bustling crowds.
Being able to experience magnificent animals up close is an excellent way to boost your loved one’s mood, reduce anxiety and even improve short-term memory.
4. Explore the many gardens
While London is often considered a metropolitan city, renowned for its towering skyscrapers and impressive tourist attractions, it also boasts numerous lush parks to explore with your loved one. These are often quieter than tourist sights, thanks to their sheer size, allowing you to enjoy your own space for a calming experience.
London’s parks are a great reprieve from the bustle of the city, or they can serve as the main focal point of your day out together. You can find some of London’s most iconic landmarks and tributes around the parks, such as:
- Hyde Park: Home to the Diana Memorial Fountain, Achilles Statue, the Cavalry Memorial and the Holocaust Memorial.
- Kensington Gardens: Visiting the gardens gives you an incredible view and insight into Kensington Palace.
- Greenwich Park: Find the Royal Observatory and National Maritime Museum here.
- James Park: Get an incredible view of Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Westminster without having to tackle the crowds right outside the gates.
- Covent Garden: Several landmarks are within walking distance, including the Royal Opera House, the Covent Garden Market and St Paul’s Church.
5. Experience a West End show
If your loved one is a big fan of live theatre or the experience of live events, the West End is an excellent day out. Known for its world-class theatre productions, the West End offers afternoon shows that allow you and your loved one to immerse yourselves in the magic of the stage without the risk of symptoms worsening during the evening.
There are plenty of diverse shows to choose from, no matter whether your loved one prefers timeless classics or contemporary productions. The venues are magnificent in their own right, each boasting its own unique charm and piece of history. They also offer access performances to ensure everyone gets the most out of their visit.
6. Have lunch at a dementia café
If you want a more relaxed and laid-back day out in London, consider visiting a dementia café. They provide a warm, welcoming space for people with dementia and their loved ones to relax, enjoy a coffee and a slice of cake, and connect.
Dementia cafes are great places to meet like-minded people, carers and friends, where your loved ones can participate in stimulating activities and games without judgment. These cafes are staffed with people trained in the importance of clear communication and understanding, making them an invaluable resource for people with dementia living or visiting London.
The Alzheimer’s Society offers a helpful resource to find support near you, including dementia cafes and other dementia-friendly activities.
Trinity Homecare’s private dementia care services
For the past 25 years, we have provided the highest standards of home care for people living with dementia. At Trinity Homecare, we appreciate that the diagnosis of dementia can be an isolating and frightening experience, but we passionately believe that it is absolutely possible to live well with dementia. We’ve produced a library of resources specifically to answer all of your questions surrounding dementia.
Trinity Homecare is a fully managed care agency with an ‘Outstanding’ CQC rating, placing Trinity amongst the top 4% of all nationwide care companies in England. You can rest assured that your loved one will receive the highest standard of care and specialist support.
Talk to our team today
If your loved one requires home care, chat with one of our friendly care team today. We offer a free, no-obligation enquiry and assessment service and are happy to offer information and advice to help you find the perfect home care solution.
Call us on 020 4572 5583 in confidence for a free, no-obligation quotation. If you are enquiring outside of our opening hours, please complete our online form and we will contact you the next business day.
