New York City is a fantastic environment for those planning to age in place for a variety of practical factors: proximity to supermarkets and restaurants, a huge network of social programs geared towards older adults, and a robust hospital system that makes accessing medical services a snap, just to name a few.

One facet of city living that often goes underappreciated is the wealth of museums, libraries, and other public institutions dedicated to enriching lives through art, culture, and learning. A trip to a museum is a great way to liven up a quiet day, but just a few minutes of additional planning can take a good trip and make it great. Read on to learn how to make the most of a trip to the museum as an older adult or caregiver.

Visit at a quiet time

Museum attendance usually peaks on weekends, rainy days, and weekday evenings. While a little company doesn’t hurt, a crowded museum means less open benches for the occasional rest and can make navigating the halls a slog.

Consider scheduling your visit on a weekday morning or early afternoon to avoid the crowds. Also consider when you or other guests are most physically active to ensure you have the energy to make the most of your trip.

Plan your “must see” exhibits

Trying to see every room in a museum can be exhausting for guests of any age. Rather than aimlessly wandering or stressing over seeing every art piece, make a short list of “must see” exhibits that you plan to visit.

Ask about accessibility options

While most museums offer benches in most galleries, they always seem to be occupied when you need them most.

One way to ensure your party remains comfortable during their visit is to call ahead and ask if the museum offers wheelchairs for guest use. While this will make you dependent on elevators to move from floor-to-floor, always having a seat available means you can enjoy more of the museum without feeling like you’re running a marathon.

Consider your medical needs

Before setting off on your excursion, consider if your trip will overlap with any times in the day when you or another guest normally take medication or a meal. Consider packing that medication, continence aids, and/or a snack so the trip does not pull you from your daily schedule.

Keep in mind that many museums ask that you leave large bags in a coat check, so having a smaller waist pack or other hand bag is a great way to keep your essentials nearby.

Self-guided tours

While an in-person tour offered by the museum is a nice way to lend additional context to the exhibits you are viewing, these tours tend to be tightly scheduled and may involve more walking at a faster pace than everyone in your party can comfortably perform.

If this is a concern, do some research to learn if the institution offers self-guided tours. These are usually conducted via handheld devices with earphones, but an increasing number of museums now offer self-guided tours through the visitor’s phone.

Learning the details of a museum’s self-guided tours will allow you to book devices in advance, or, if they require a visitor’s personal device, give yourself time to download any related apps and/or pack along a set of personal headphones.

Programs for Adults with Special Needs

Check the website of your favorite museum to identify programs specifically for adults and seniors with special needs. These programs are focused on the safety and comfort of the participants and their escorts. NYC’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) has a wonderful program, “Meet Me at MoMA” geared to adults with dementia. This is part of their Access Programs. Many programs are free however do require pre-registration.

We hope you found this guide useful and that it inspires you to take advantage of the countless museums available here in New York.

SelectCare Home Health Care Services has worked with New York families for 40 years, helping older adults live happier, healthier lives in their long-time homes, as well as providing reliable transportation assistance that puts patient safety at the forefront of every step.

To learn how we can help, call us today, request a free in-home care guide, or read firsthand client experiences on our testimonial page.