Making Resolutions for the New Year With Your Senior Loved One

As you head into the new year, set aside some time to make resolutions with your senior loved one. Find out from them what they would like the year ahead to look like. Do they have specific goals they want to accomplish? Do they want to get their home in order or organize their photo albums? Is there something they’ve always wanted to do - such as visit Paris or see the ocean, that you can help make happen? Whether it is big or small, help your senior make a resolution list.

Experts say having something tangible that senior citizens can look to as a guide, helps give them more purpose in life. It gives them something to accomplish, and it gives them a feeling of accomplishment once they do it.

It also is important to simply include things on the list that are important to your seniors or that they love. In the craziness of the world, it is easy to skip a Sunday visit with mom, or to forget how much dad loves watching football games with you. Have him put on his list that he resolves to watch at least 3 games with you. Have grandma commit to writing that you will have coffee once a week together to talk about your life. Resolving to do it, and then committing it to paper, will make it more real. It also will give your senior loved ones something to look forward to.

Here are some ideas for resolutions that you and your senior loved one can make. 

Get Social

It is important that they resolve to do things in person, together this year, if possible. Take them out for brunch once a week so you can check in with each other, and also get eyes on them and see how they look and are doing. If your senior isn’t very mobile, make a resolution to carry out food from the newest restaurants in town and eat with each other. Though it can be a struggle to leave home, especially in the winter for seniors, if they are able, add it to the list. While they might hate getting ready to head to events at the senior center each week, once they are there they love it. Make a resolution that they will attend at least four senior center events a month, so they can socialize with others, and not be lonely at home.

Lock in the Memories

Together, make a resolution to talk about your senior loved one’s life and history. Maybe you don’t know everything. Have them tell you stories from their past. Go through old photo albums together, and find out who everyone is in the photos. It is hard to think about, but once your senior is gone, you will be happy that you know all of these things. Find out where they got some of the most meaningful items in their home. Ask them which ones are the most important to them. Grab the phone, and record them telling your birth story. Think of everything you want to know, and resolve to spend time with your senior this year finding it out. They will love to tell you their stories.

Make Their Environment Safe

While it might not be as exciting as resolving to visit Paris this year, resolving to make the home where your senior loved one lives safe, is high on the importance list. Add it to the list, and set a day when you can go through the home, looking for any safety hazards. Make sure they do not have any loose rugs in the way, that could cause a tripping hazard. Help them set everything they need within reach, so they don’t have to stand on a stool to reach their favorite mug from the cabinet. Ensure they have phones in several rooms, or a convenient way to carry their cell phone with them, so they can reach out for help immediately if they need it.

Once you see what needs to be done, commit to a day to do it. Perhaps your senior loved one would like you to install grab bars in the bathroom near the shower and toilet. Many senior citizens want a higher toilet, so that it is easier to stand up from. Find out what would make their life easier and safer. Gather everything you need to accomplish the project, or hire someone who can do it for you. 

If you feel your senior loved one needs even more safety in their home, consider hiring an in-home caregiver. Caregivers can come as much or as little as you like into the home. They can be there to help steady them as they walk, and to prevent falls. They also can be on hand to help them dress and shower in the morning. In addition, caregivers can help remind your senior loved ones to take their medicine each day. Having a caregiver help with these tasks, can give you and your senior loved one more time to accomplish the other goals on their list for the year. 

Here to Help

If you are looking for someone to help the seniors in your life live up to their goals this year, consider our caregivers at Visiting Angels Webster. We offer a variety of services, including companion care, through which we can help them do some of their daily tasks. We also offer personal care, fall prevention, respite care, and more, all of which are tailored just for the needs of your senior and you.

We serve seniors in Southeast Houston and the Bay Area Communities, including El Lago, Webster, Pearland, Friendswood, Kemah, League City, Dickinson, Taylor Lake Village, Deer Park, Pasadena, Seabrook, San Leon, Texas City, Clear Lake Shores, and Brookside Village. We can come to your home, find out what needs you have, and develop a care plan tailored to your needs. Call us at (832) 621-3742 for more information.

If you are interested in caring for senior clients in the community, visit us online to find out more about a career in home care.