Your mother has been diagnosed with dementia. She is uncertain of her future. She has lost her self-confidence. She is terrified. 

And she has turned to you for help.

You have done your research and contacted several experts. You know that maintaining a positive attitude will help ease her fears. You have learned it is important to keep her engaged, and that socializing is key. It will give her a sense of belonging, improve her brain health, strengthen her connection to time and place, and enhance her focus.

But what should you do? Where should you take her? What kind of activities are available in Temecula for your parent with dementia? 

Temecula, a sunny, relaxed destination provides a variety of opportunities for your parent with dementia. From agriculture to the arts, from old-town history to the bright lights of the present, you can be confident that you will be able to help your mother remain as active as she can be. Here are four relaxing  day trips to take with your parent who has dementia:

1. The Mary Phillips Senior Center

Your first stop is the Mary Phillips Senior Center. Here you can help your mother participate in several activities, including Saturday socials, Bunco, Bingo, arts and crafts, ice cream socials, and monthly senior talks.

She can play bridge, take a cooking class, sing in a choral group, and even learn how to carve wood.

2. Temecula Valley Museum

While your parent with dementia may sometimes struggle with short-term memory, a step back in time could be just the thing to remind them of days gone by.

A day at the Temecula Valley Museum could be the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your mother.

The museum has a variety of exhibits, collections, guided tours, special events and educational opportunities geared towards seniors.  Exhibits represent life in the Temecula Valley and different cultures that influenced the development of the area. If she needs to take a break, a picturesque park with picnic facilities is located on the premises.

3. Old Town Temecula Community Theater

A night of theatrical entertainment, singing, and dancing could put the spring back in your mother’s step.

Located in Old Town Temecula, the Old Town Community Theater provides an ideal experience for you to share. The theater was designed to promote the arts and enrich the quality of life for residents of Temecula.

Local talent and arts organizations, not to mention national and international talent, grace the stage. Dramatic productions, Broadway musicals, dancers, singers and various other performances are held throughout the year.

4. Vineyard Tours

No trip to the Temecula area is complete without a tour of the vineyards.  Temecula Valley wine country spans more than 33,000 acres and is home to more than 40 wineries. There are tasting rooms, dining opportunities, and live entertainment, in addition to the peace and serenity the agricultural scene offers.

You can tour on your own, or partake in one of the numerous guided tours. A typical guided wine tour usually includes three to four winery stops. Methods of transport vary from mini coaches, shuttles, limousines, antique cars and even horse-drawn carriage.

Taking in the scenic beauty of the rolling hills and sprawling countryside could be just what the doctor ordered to help you and your parent have another enjoyable, relaxing day experiencing all that Temecula can offer.

A dementia diagnosis doesn’t have to be limiting.  While your parent may become increasingly uncomfortable with venturing out on their own, having planned activities that a friend, spouse, or adult child can take mom or dad to ensures they stay active and involved.