The end of the year is a natural time to reflect on everything we\u2019ve achieved over the past year and look ahead to what we\u2019re planning for the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That year-end planning can cause stress for seniors, though, especially if they\u2019re worried about their health or other changes. However, with a little planning, it\u2019s easy to turn a talk about the future into an opportunity to connect and celebrate the great year you\u2019ve had. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are plenty of resources to make planning with seniors in Nashville not just easy, but fun. Here are a few of our favorites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The key to making your year-end reflection fun and productive is the right mindset and preparation. These steps will keep your time together lighthearted and focused so you can move forward into the new year as a team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s important to go in with a plan. Before you get together, decide on a few questions to get the ball rolling. These can include things like, \u201cWhat are you looking forward to this year?\u201d and \u201cIs there anything you wish we did more of?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re struggling to think of the right questions, try picking up a book of journaling prompts at a local bookstore like Landmark Booksellers<\/a>. You can even share the questions with your loved one ahead of time so they can think through their answers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While you don\u2019t need to go somewhere specific for your reflection and planning, getting out of your regular routine can help a lot. Especially if you\u2019re a family caregiver, it may be hard to focus while you\u2019re in your loved one\u2019s home. Consider heading to a local caf\u00e9 or booking a meeting room where you can spread out. You can reserve a study room for free at the Brentwood Library<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most important questions you can ask your loved one and yourself is, \u201cWhat are you looking forward to?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having plans we\u2019re eagerly anticipating is vital for mental wellbeing. In addition to combatting anxiety and depression, it can even be easier to face our fears when we have plans we\u2019re looking forward to afterward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Together, write a list of things you both want to do in the new year. If you need ideas, check out the events calendar at FiftyForward<\/a> for day trips, classes and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You don\u2019t need to plan for the future alone. If you don\u2019t already know your loved one\u2019s wishes for the future, this can be a great time to suggest you speak to an estate planning professional<\/a> together. They can help your loved one get all of the paperwork in place to ensure their wishes are followed, whether that\u2019s a living will, power of attorney or a will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whatever you\u2019re looking forward to in the new year, a professional caregiver can help. Whether it\u2019s transportation to a class or an exercise partner, caregivers make it possible for seniors to enjoy the activities that make their lives meaningful.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPick a meeting spot.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Make plans they\u2019re excited about.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Get help from a professional.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Support Their Goals with a Professional Caregiver<\/h2>\n\n\n\n