The end of the year is often a time for us to look back on the past year and plan for what we’d like to achieve in the months ahead. This is especially important for seniors, but it can also be stressful if you need to discuss tough topics like changes in their health or mobility.
Luckily, a few simple steps can help turn a tense discussion into a time to connect and get excited about the future. Here’s how to plan with seniors in Oklahoma City stress-free so you can start the new year off on the right foot.
Resources to Help Plan with Seniors in Oklahoma City
The right mindset and preparation can make reflection and planning conversations an opportunity to reconnect, reflect on what’s important and make a plan to move forward as a team.
There are plenty of resources in Oklahoma City to help you and your family—just follow these steps for success:
- Get the Right Supplies
A great way to plan together is to visualize your loved one’s goals for the new year. Visualizing increases the chance they’ll reach their goals, creates a tangible reminder of those goals you can both look at every day and just adds a bit of fun, even when you’re discussing heavier topics.
Start by heading to the craft store to pick up cardstock, glue, stickers and any other materials you’d like to use. If you need a recommendation, check out Trove Arts and Crafts. Trove is a secondhand craft supply store that takes donations of unused materials. That means they have fun new stock every time you stop in, and you’ll spend less than you would at a big box store.
If you’d like to include photos, you can also take this time to digitize the originals and order prints of any images you’d like to include.
- Prepare Questions Ahead of Time
Choose a few questions you can use to get your discussion started, like:
- What are you proudest of from the last year?
- What do you most hope to do in the new year?
- What are you worried about right now?
- What are you looking forward to?
Write them down, and consider sharing them with your loved one to give them time to think about their answers.
- Choose a Meeting Space
When you’re planning together, it can help to get out of your regular routine and out of the house. Especially if you’re your loved one’s caregiver, it can be difficult to shift your mindset while you’re in their home. Consider booking a meeting room at the local library, or heading to a local coffee shop like The Provision Coffee.
- Set Goals for the Future
Having a future event we’re looking forward to can greatly reduce the risk of anxiety and depression. If their goal can be accomplished with a group class, it’s also a good way to guard against loneliness as well.
Ask your loved one about their goals for the year, and ensure there’s something specific they’re looking forward to. If they need ideas, Healthy Living OKC offers a wide variety of classes in topics like art, cooking, fitness and more.
- Get Expert Assistance
Once you’ve reflected on the past year and set some goals for the future, it’s time to figure out how you’ll achieve them. Will they need help with transportation? Do some of the goals require professional support?
Whatever your family’s goals, the compassionate caregivers at FirstLight Home Care of Oklahoma City are here to help.
If your loved one is looking to exercise more frequently, a caregiver can help them with a ride to and from classes and be a reassuring, familiar presence. If they’re looking to spend more time gardening or cooking, a caregiver can act as their green-thumbed assistant or sous chef. A caregiver will provide consistent warmth, encouragement and support to ensure they can engage in the day to day activities that make life meaningful.
Contact us today to learn more about your care options.
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