As we gather with our families during the holiday season, it’s a great time to honor everything we’ve achieved in the past year and talk about our goals for the year ahead.
For seniors, though, this kind of reflection can be fraught; they may be anxious about changing health and mobility or just not sure what’s next.
With the right preparation, you can navigate their worries together, celebrate their achievements and give them an exciting year to look forward to. There are plenty of resources to help seniors reflect and plan in Alameda if you know where to look.
Ways to Help Seniors Reflect and Plan in Alameda
A few simple steps can mean the difference between a tense discussion and a meaningful time for connection and celebration. Here’s how to set yourself and your loved one up for success.
Head to the craft store.
Visualizing is a powerful tool; it can increase our confidence that we’ll achieve our goals, as well as providing a consistent reminder of what we’re hoping to accomplish. That’s why we recommend creating a poster or “vision board” together. It’s also a fun project to work on together that can add some levity to your discussion.
Pick up fun paper, pens, tape and stickers from a local craft store to get your creative juices flowing. If you’d like to add some photos, make sure to digitize the originals and get some prints ahead of time.
Decide on questions ahead of time.
To help get the ball rolling, choose a few questions you want to discuss ahead of time. These can be questions about their goals, worries and achievements; anything that will help you plan for the year ahead.
If you’re at a loss, try checking out books of journaling prompts at a local bookstore like Books Inc. or the library.
Get a change of scenery.
Especially if you’re your loved one’s caregiver, getting out of the house can help your discussion feel like a fun event rather than a stressful confrontation. Consider booking a conference room at a local library, or head to a café.
If you need a recommendation, check out Julie’s Coffee & Tea Garden. In addition to a comfortable space, they also offer nutritious drinks and food to fuel your reflection and planning session.
Plan something to look forward to.
Having an event or play you’re excited about has a host of psychological benefits. It can help stave of anxiety and depression, and even make events you’re anxious about seem more tolerable.
This is especially important for seniors, who are likely to have mixed emotions when thinking about the future. Help them set a goal that will motivate them in the new year. If they’re not sure what sounds interesting, the class schedule at J-Sei is a great place to start. There are fitness classes, art workshops and more—they could even learn to play the ukulele!
Get Professional Support
Whatever you and your loved one’s goals are for the future, there are plenty of resources in Alameda to help.
When it comes time to talk about more serious plans for the future, FirstLight Home Care of Alameda is here for you. When you call us, we’ll discuss your loved one’s goals, help you review your care options and even refer you to additional resources like estate planners if relevant.
Our caregivers don’t just help seniors with activities of daily living; they give older adults the support they need to pursue the goals and hobbies that make their day to day life meaningful. Reach out to us today to get your loved one the personalized, compassionate care they deserve.