As we gather with our families during the holiday season, it\u2019s a great time to honor everything we\u2019ve achieved in the past year and talk about our goals for the year ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For seniors, though, this kind of reflection can be fraught; they may be anxious about changing health and mobility or just not sure what\u2019s next. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A few simple steps can mean the difference between a tense discussion and a meaningful time for connection and celebration. Here\u2019s how to set yourself and your loved one up for success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Visualizing is a powerful tool; it can increase our confidence that we\u2019ll achieve our goals, as well as providing a consistent reminder of what we\u2019re hoping to accomplish. That\u2019s why we recommend creating a poster or \u201cvision board\u201d together. It\u2019s also a fun project to work on together that can add some levity to your discussion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pick up fun paper, pens, tape and stickers from a local craft store<\/a> to get your creative juices flowing. If you\u2019d like to add some photos, make sure to digitize the originals<\/a> and get some prints ahead of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re at a loss, try checking out books of journaling prompts at a local bookstore like Books Inc.<\/a> or the library.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Especially if you\u2019re your loved one\u2019s 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 caf\u00e9. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you need a recommendation, check out Julie\u2019s Coffee & Tea Garden<\/a>. In addition to a comfortable space, they also offer nutritious drinks and food to fuel your reflection and planning session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having an event or play you\u2019re excited about has a host of psychological benefits. It can help stave of anxiety and depression, and even make events you\u2019re anxious about seem more tolerable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019re not sure what sounds interesting, the class schedule at J-Sei<\/a> is a great place to start. There are fitness classes, art workshops and more\u2014they could even learn to play the ukulele!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whatever you and your loved one\u2019s goals are for the future, there are plenty of resources in Alameda to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes time to talk about more serious plans for the future, FirstLight Home Care of Alameda<\/a> is here for you. When you call us, we\u2019ll discuss your loved one\u2019s goals, help you review your care options and even refer you to additional resources like estate planners if relevant.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDecide on questions ahead of time.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Get a change of scenery.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Plan something to look forward to.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Get Professional Support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n