Tips for Planning a Successful Lunch Date for Your Favorite Senior Citizen and Elderly Loved Ones

Finding a restaurant that accommodates senior citizens comfortably should not be a challenge. Especially if you prepare and think ahead, then it's a breeze. I've worked with seniors and the elderly for over 13 years in the health care industry. Having worked in nursing homes, assisted living centers, and eventually becoming a home health aide. Each job was challenging, in its own way, but I loved caring for people and helping out people that I saw as a mother, father, grandfather, sister - to somebody. That's why I love the profession - very fulfilling, absolutely rewarding, and there's no feeling like being needed and appreciated.

Below you will find tips for planning ahead, elderly trip planning suggestions, and restaurants recommended for seniors and elderly folks.

In that time I've discovered these things concerning seniors, and specifically the elderly senior.
These tips are sure to help you think ahead.

1 - Many seniors have health problems and find going out inconvenient. Meals are often planned around breathing treatments, doctor's appointments, and health conditions that understandably make going out especially difficult to them. Plan ahead, call to find the least crowded time to go. Note any medical condition that may hamper their meal. This will make the journey enjoyable for elderly who are reliant upon you to get them in and out.

2 - Many elderly folks are often dependent upon walking devices like a wheelchair or mobility scooter. If this is the case you will want to go somewhere that has large doorways to accommodate them. Wheelchair accessible bathrooms and sidewalks make getting in and out a necessity. Make their transition as easy, and enjoyable, as possible.

3 - Most seniors I've met know what they want in most aspects of life. And if they don't then they certainly know what they like and dislike. Ask and many will be happy to fill you in. Meet their needs by thinking ahead. If you know aunt Susie dislikes bright lighting, smoking, or slow service - go somewhere that you know offers what they do like. Or you will hear about it, maybe even for years to come. And aunt Susie may decide she'd rather stay in to eat, especially if she has a bad experience.

4 - They want excellent food tasting food that's well prepared. Good food, prices, and timely service are very important to seniors, and most everyone. Avoid long wait lines and go at the least busy time of day. You can often find out the best time to eat, by calling ahead or by noting the amount of cars usually (on average) in the parking lot at that time of day. Shift lunch around to accommodate any special needs they may have.

5 - Atmosphere is everything for the majority of people, and seniors are no different. Some seniors prefer to not see alcohol beverages being consumed, loud conversations, bright lights, and most are especially sensitive to cold and heat. Just because aunt Susie has on two layers of clothes, including her favorite sweater, doesn't mean she won't be cold inside the restaurant. It doesn't matter if it's 90 degrees outside, that all changes with the elderly and indoor air-conditioning. We all want comfort, and they certainly deserve it.

Best places to take your elderly senior in Stephenville, Texas:

Pastafina's Italian Ristorante
2897 West Washington Street
Stephenville, Texas 76401

This family owned and operated restaurant provides authentic northern and southern Italian cuisine. With homemade food prepared with quality ingredients providing authentic Italian flavor.

They provide a calm atmosphere, excellent food, and the best Italian food in the area. Soft music can be heard and the lighting is not too bright, but not too dark. Only wine is served, and it's on the menu, yet not flaunted in a bar/club way. Although Granbury provides a bar, Stephenville's location does not. The service is great and they provide plenty of tables and space so as to not feel crowded. It's one of the classier restaurants in the area and no other place can compete with the amenities offered here. Everything is easily accessible for seniors from the bathroom to large tables that easily can fit a wheelchair underneath. If you want to impress, Pastafina is the place to go. Aunt Susie might appreciate the smoke-free environment as well. If she loves Italian food, then you can't go wrong taking her to Pastafina.

Pastafina locations can be found in Stephenville, Weatherford, Cleburne, and Granbury.

Hard Eight BBQ - (Located on the right at the intersection of HWY 281S and Hwy 67)
1091 Glen Rose Road
Stephenville, Texas 76401

Experience down home cooking on large slow cooking grills. Their method of slow cooking is called "Old World", and they use open pits and an authentic mesquite smoked barbecue. Inside they provide a smoke-free environment, and variety of tables. Table options feature large tables, booths, and tall tables. They provide a buffet as well as country-style foods and great desserts. The bathrooms are easily accessible for most anyone. Or if you prefer, you can sit outside on the many booths provided. Regardless, they provide a friendly family environment. Nice place to eat great food, enjoy the view of nature (if you chose to eat outside), and plenty of conversation. Whether indoors or outdoors it is an experience at Hard Eight Barbecue. You never know aunt Susie may enjoy the free beer on tap. She's sure to appreciate the unique decor that takes her "back to when she was a girl." Maybe she'll feel comfortable enough to spill a few of her untold life experiences. You can also find Hard Eight in Brady and Coppell. All three locations have custom made catering. The food is seriously delicious!

Hours:
Monday - Thursday 10:30 - 9pm.
Friday - Saturday 10:30 - 10pm.
Sunday - 10:30 - 8pm.

Finding great food, service, and timely service is easy when you plan ahead. Getting out of the house is a liberating experience, especially for the elderly, who are often "stuck" at home due to the "hassles" of health conditions, age, or not having someone to rely on for help. Make lunch a true experience for your loved ones, both young and senior. Memories last a lifetime!