Most people like to call them resolutions, others call them goals, but in the end, they are all things we wish to do or try to make happen not just within a calendar year but over a whole life span. At First Care, we aim to allow our clients to enjoy life and all of its gifts; we travel with our clients all over the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens areas every day, every year, endeavor to endeavor. We want our clients to be goal-oriented and driven to learn and accomplish new things, in spite of any physical short-comings. It is with this in mind that we dedicate this blog to suggesting a series of different endeavors that you or your family members may wish to partake in. The following was written by Laura Bianco of Comfort Keepers.
• Start a letter journal. Handwritten letters have nearly become a thing of the past, thanks to the Internet. However, our seniors are from an era when writing letters by hand was an important and valued form of etiquette – a more personal way of keeping in touch. Purchase a bound journal and write a letter inside, then give it to your loved one who will write a letter to you and return the journal. The same can be done with individual letters written back and forth and pasted into the journal. The process repeats throughout the year, or until the journal is full. Sharing a letter journal with your loved one is a unique way to strengthen your connection, and for you to get to know each other better. An added perk is the excitement of looking forward to receiving “real” mail. You find yourselves thinking of each other more often…and contemplating what bit of news to share in the next letter!
• Plan to age gracefully. Growing old has advantages, as well as a few disadvantages, such as wrinkles, gray hair and changes our bodies undergo in the process. It is never too late to decide to pursue a healthy lifestyle, which increases the odds of aging gracefully. Plan to exercise often, eat nutritious foods and to encourage each other while doing so. If you live near your beloved senior, take walks or participate in a group exercise class together. Even if your senior lives far away, you can take walks during the same time of day and talk on the phone to plan healthy meals and other activities.
• Share your favorite recipes. Exchanging healthy recipes can help your elderly loved one eat more nutritious meals and gives you the opportunity to ensure they are eating well. The bonus is receiving favorite family recipes from your loved one that have been passed down through the generations!
• Get tech savvy. Believe it or not, seniors are the fastest growing segment of computer users. If Grandma and Grandpa do not already have a computer, now is the time to expand their horizons! It might seem a bit intimidating at first, but once they are comfortable their prowess might surprise you. Communication and trading pictures becomes a snap, and imagine being able to see each other over a web cam if you live apart! The grandkids can relay their adventures, and you all get the pleasure of seeing each other laugh! You also get the chance to observe the general appearance of the senior, and to check for signs of good or failing health.
• Talk about the hard stuff. This resolution may not be fun, but it is the most important of all. While your senior is able, help set standards of care they desire should they become incapacitated later. Form plans within your family as to who might become the caregiver or if an outside source, will be required. First Care of New York can offer all kinds of services from Live in Care, Personal Care, Home Health and Companionship service to help you through these times. Discussing these things in advance ensures that your loved one’s wishes are recorded and understood by all.
