Mom and I were looking forward to a Fourth of July family picnic, so we went out today for a trial run. Knowing that going out for a picnic would test her ability to remain dry over a full afternoon meant some extra planning. This was a new environment for her. Giving Mom the chance to practice on a day when the restroom facility was less crowded, was the answer. She was prepared with extra supplies just in case she needed them. She wasn’t prepared for how much more difficult it would be to operate in the physical space of the bathroom. It had been six months since she had last been to the picnic grove and found the bathroom much harder to manage. By planning ahead for this possibility we were better prepared to manage it together. As her physical dependence becomes greater, planning ahead is even more important. Mom was better able to accept the fact that she needed me with her in a space in which she could not maneuver alone because we addressed this together ahead of time. The day was a success. With the help of her Depend® undergarment, she was able to participate in a family outing with confidence.