So often when we daydream of a happy time, all the daily clutter and distractions are taken out of the equation and in your mind you have this vision of “a moment.”

We tend to not think about what it takes to get us to that moment of peace and pleasure. We just want to capture it and explore that feeling, even for a little while. It’s a snapshot of what we envision for ourselves and our loved ones. What is it going to take to make that daydream become a reality? Who is in the snapshot you envision?

Now that summer has faded, the air is cooler and the sun is setting earlier every day, and we tend to go into lockdown mode instead of making plans. There really is no reason to do this since the Northeast is where we chose to live. We must become aware and emphasize staying proactive with our hopes and dreams for our family and loved ones regardless of the time of year.

Hibernation is very typical this time of year, but once again, it is procrastinating new beginnings and new chapters. Change can and will bring you peace of mind and pleasure at heart. If you see that without changing things, life will become more and more challenging and distract you from your dream.

As the weather becomes colder and more unpredictable, our elders tend to become more dormant and have less interest in going out and socializing. We need to encourage them to stay active in their local senior centers, churches, YMCAs or whatever brings them joy and keeps their minds and bodies stimulated.

So what can you do?

If you require assistance in getting your elders to and from functions and activities, you can always reach out to a local companion agency for assistance. I am more than happy to help you in obtaining these types of services and give you other helpful hints for keeping them involved in life’s daily activities.

Another thing to keep in mind as winter slowly creeps in, if your elders live alone and require assistance and you know in your heart that keeping them in their home this winter will be a challenge, not only for them but for you as their main caregiver, you may want to start the process of looking at different style of senior living accommodations.

Many times, transitioning them into a safer and new environment where all their care needs can be met will make all the difference in the world for their cognitive functions and spirits. It’s a new beginning, a new chapter in their lives, new friendships. This transition will also remove much of the worry off your plate by making their care needs easier to manage.

So, look at the snapshot again. How can you get there? What steps need to be taken to get you closer to making your daydream vision a reality?