How to Reflect and Plan for Whittier Seniors

Winter is often when we reflect on the past year and plan what we’d like to do in the year ahead. It’s traditionally when we slow down a little and, most importantly, when we connect with the people who matter most to us.

For seniors, though, planning discussions can be difficult; they may be experiencing changes with their health, mobility or status of loved ones that make planning stressful. 

Luckily, it’s easier to reflect and plan for Whittier seniors with a little help—and there’s plenty of support to be found.

Resources to Reflect and Plan for Whittier Seniors

A little preparation and the right tools can turn a stressful conversation into an opportunity to connect and find new ways to work together while honoring the past year’s accomplishments. Here are some of our favorite ways to help seniors in Whittier reflect and plan for the year ahead.

Start with the Right Tools

Visualizing is extremely important in helping us achieve our goals. It increases confidence, makes achievement more likely and adds a fun, collaborative aspect, even when you’re discussing heavier topics.

Before your discussion, head to a local craft store to pick up supplies like cardstock, markers and tape. If you’d like to use photos, this is also a great time to digitize original photos and order prints from a service like Van’s Foto Video.

Plan Your Questions

To avoid awkward pauses or distractions, think about what you’d like to discuss ahead of time. You can start with simple questions like:

• What are you proudest of from the past year?
• What are you most excited about?
• What worries you about next year?
• How can we work together to achieve your goals?

If you’re looking to dive deeper, head to a local bookstore, like the one run by the Friends of the Whittier Library, for books of journaling prompts that can give you additional ideas.

Pick a Relaxing Meeting Space

Especially when you’re a family caregiver, it can be difficult to relax in your loved one’s home and to get out of the caregiving mindset. If possible, choose a meeting space outside of the home where you can both take a step back from your regular routine. 

It especially helps if you choose a warm, pleasant place that will set you both at ease. Zen’s Tea House is full of cozy chairs and couches, and they have plenty of soothing tea blends to sip from while you’re planning.

Get Excited for the Future

Having something to look forward to isn’t just a nice thought; it’s incredibly important for mental health. While you may need to discuss more serious concerns, make sure to find something your loved one really wants to learn or do this year.

If they don’t have anything in mind, check out the programs available from Nifty after Fifty for ideas. Whether it’s a new fitness goal or bonding with others over a shared hobby, they’re sure to find a program that fits their needs.

Find Support for Your Plan

Whatever you and your loved one want to accomplish this year, there’s plenty of support available in Whittier. 

At FirstLight Home Care of Whittier, our caregivers help seniors engage in the everyday activities that bring meaning to their lives. Whether your loved one needs transportation to a class, friendly companionship to make new experiences less daunting or a workout buddy to help them accomplish mobility goals, a FirstLight caregiver will be with them every step of the way.

Let’s make this year your loved one’s best yet. Reach out to us today to learn more about your care options.