Resources For Aging Well

At Amada Senior Care, we are dedicated to ensuring the well-being of our clients, especially when it comes to preserving senior independence, and this includes preventive care. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want to emphasize the importance of annual health screenings and checkups. Today being Mammogram Day provides a particularly appropriate opportunity to heighten awareness of a significant screening for women to protect their health as they age.Why Mammograms MatterBreast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide; in fact, women in the U.S. have a 1-in-8 chance of developing breast cancer. Public awareness campaigns point to the fact that early detection can make all the difference. Regular mammograms help identify abnormalities in the breast tissue long before they can be felt during a self-exam. Early-stage detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment, with survival rates as high as 99% when breast cancer is caught in its initial stages.For older women, especially women over the age of 50, mammograms become an even more critical part of their healthcare routine. Age is a significant risk factor for breast cancer, and while it can occur at any age, the risk increases as women grow older. Its estimated that about two out of three invasive breast cancers are discovered in women 55 or older. This is because as we age, there are more opportunities for genetic damage or mutations to occur in the body at a phase when the human body typically is less capable of repairing genetic damage.While breast cancer is associated with womens health, men also can be diagnosed with and experience symptoms like those in women. Family history of breast cancer or other genetic factors, exposure to radiation in the chest area, or having liver disease or another condition that causes estrogen levels to rise in the body all are risk factors for male breast cancer.Check out the images below to learn more about how to conduct a breast self-exam.Benefits of Regular MammogramsEarly Cancer Detection Saves LivesThe earlier breast cancer is detected, the more treatment options are available, and the better the outcomes. Mammograms can find cancer up to three years before it is large enough to be felt, offering a greater chance for less aggressive treatment.Peace of Mind in Protecting Senior HealthA mammogram is a quick procedure, but the peace of mind that comes with knowing youre actively monitoring your health is immeasurable. Regular screenings help older adults and seniors feel more secure and proactive in managing their well-being.Guided Preventive Care in Aging WellMammograms are often the first step in a broader breast health plan. For seniors, keeping up with these appointments ensures continuity of care, allowing their healthcare providers to monitor any changes and take action if necessary.Overcoming Common Concerns of MammogramsCommon concerns include fear of discomfort or radiation exposure. However, modern technology has made mammograms more comfortable, and the amount of radiation is minimalno more than a dental x-ray or flying cross-country.How Amada Can Help with Protecting Senior HealthAs seniors age, they may become concerned about mobility or getting to and from appointments. A free care needs consultation with an Amada Senior Care advisor can help identify specific assistance you or a loved one require, whether its transportation to screening facilities, compassionate caregiving services at home, or emotional comfort before and after a procedure.As a provider of non-medical at-home care, we at Amada are committed to making senior preventive healthcare as accessible and stress-free as possible. We can help with:Appointment Scheduling: Well help book your mammogram and any necessary follow-up appointments with ease.Transportation Assistance: If you need help getting to the clinic, our caregivers can provide transportation or accompany you to ensure you feel supported.Personalized Health Plans: Amadas caregivers are trained to help our senior clients manage symptoms of various health conditions. Our care team professionals understand the importance of following your doctors instructions and ensure they are included in your personalized care plan, tailored to your specific needs.Regular Screenings Lead to Improved Health in AgingIf you or a loved one havent had a mammogram in over a year, now is the perfect time to talk to your healthcare professional to schedule one. Encourage the women in your life, especially those in their 50s and older, not to skip their annual health screenings.Let's celebrate the power of early detection and honor our commitment to protecting the health of the women (and men) we care for.

As we age, our homes often become a reflection of our life experiences, filled with memories of cherished moments with family and friends. However, as needs change, its important to ensure that these spaces remain warm, welcoming, and safe. At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we believe that every senior deserves a living environment that promotes comfort, independence, and connection. Creating a heartwarming space for seniors not only enhances their quality of life but also preserves their dignity and fosters a sense of belonging. In this blog, well explore practical tips and creative ideas that can help transform a seniors home into a haven of warmth and welcoming vibes.Understanding the Unique Needs of SeniorsCreating a welcoming space for seniors involves more than just aesthetics; its about addressing their unique needs with sensitivity and care. Here are some factors to consider:Embracing Comfort and AccessibilitySafety First: As we age, mobility can become an issue. When designing a welcoming senior space, prioritize safety by ensuring that areas are well-lit, free from clutter, and equipped with handrails or grab bars where necessary. Simple adjustments like removing throw rugs can significantly reduce the risk of falls.Comfortable Furnishings: Choosing the right furniture is essential. Opt for comfortable chairs and sofas with good back support. Furniture should be ergonomic and at a height that makes sitting down and standing up easy. Fabrics should be soft and inviting, encouraging relaxation while adding a personal touch.Accessible Layout: The layout of a home plays a crucial role in how easily seniors can move around. Ensure pathways are clear and wide enough to accommodate mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs. Consider rearranging furniture to create open spaces that invite easy movement.Adding Personal TouchesMemory Lane: Infusing personal memories into the decor can help seniors feel more at home. Display family photos, mementos from travels, or artwork created by loved ones. Creating a gallery wall or a memory corner can evoke cherished memories, allowing for moments of reflection and connection.Create a Cozy Nook: Designing a special reading corner or a cozy nook can encourage relaxation and leisure. Include a comfortable chair, a soft throw blanket, and good lighting. This space can become a go-to spot for reading, reminiscing, or simply enjoying the view outside.Natures Embrace: Incorporate plants and nature into the space. Indoor plants not only purify the air but also add life and vitality to a room. Choose low-maintenance plants like succulents, which require little care but bring a sense of tranquility. A little garden nook or even a few herbs on the windowsill can do wonders for the spirit.Practical Tips for a Warm EnvironmentNow that we understand the emotional and functional aspects of senior spaces, lets dive into practical tips that transform any home into a warm, welcoming retreat. Step 1: Declutter with PurposeStart Small: Tackling clutter can be overwhelming, especially for seniors who have lived in the same space for many years. Begin with one area, such as a kitchen drawer or a single room. Break the task down into manageable steps.Decision-Making Approach: Help seniors decide what to keep, donate, or discard based on usefulness and sentiment. Encourage them to focus on items that bring them joy or serve a purpose. This process can also spark meaningful conversations that lend themselves to reminiscing.Step 2: Organize with IntentionMake it Accessible: Organize items by frequency of use. Place everyday essentials within easy reach and consider using clear containers to make finding items effortless. Labeling bins and shelves can also provide clarity and foster independence.Involve Family: Encourage family members to participate in the organization process. This creates an opportunity for connection and engagement, easing any feelings of loneliness seniors may feel.Step 3: Personalize the AtmosphereScent and Sound: The senses play a vital role in creating a welcoming environment. Consider introducing soft music that the senior enjoys or aromatherapy with soothing scents to create a calming atmosphere.Color Palette: Choose warm, inviting colors for walls and decor. Soft blues, gentle greens, and warm yellows are known to create a peaceful ambiance. Avoid harsh contrasts; instead, opt for complementary hues that promote serenity.Step 4: Foster Community ConnectionsShared Spaces: If the senior lives with family, designate shared spaces that encourage interaction, such as a cozy dining area or a warm living room. This creates opportunities for gatherings, fostering conversation and connection.Engage with the Outside World: Ensure that the living space feels connected to the outside world. Large windows that frame a garden view or easy access to outdoor seating can promote feelings of openness and connection to nature.Conclusion: Creating a Heartfelt Space for Our SeniorsAt A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we believe that every senior deserves a home that feels like a warm embracea space that honors their past and supports their present. By focusing on safety, accessibility, and personalization, we can create environments that not only meet their physical needs but also nourish their emotional well-being. If youre looking to create or enhance a seniors space, let us guide you in this meaningful journey. Together, we can transform their home into a haven of comfort and love, ensuring that it remains the heart of their cherished memories and an inviting space for family and friends. Contact us today to learn how we can help make that transition beautiful and seamless.

With the presidential election just a few weeks away, the public is naturally interested in not just the outcome but what the results will mean for issues of national importance. As a citizen, you likely share these concerns but how about as an investor? After the votes are counted or even before should you make some moves in anticipation of possible changes in policy?  Lets look at the big picture first, through the lens of history. The financial markets have performed well and at times, not so well under Democratic and Republican presidents alike. And the same is true about which party controlled Congress.While it might be an overstatement to say that decisions made in Washington have no effect on the markets, its not always so easy to draw a direct line between what happens there and how the markets perform. For one thing, political candidates often make promises that are not fulfilled, or, if they are, have different results than intended. Also, other institutions can have a significant impact on the markets. For example, the Federal Reserve, which controls short-term interest rates, can certainly affect many market sectors. And there will always be external events, such as foreign conflicts and even natural disasters, that can make short-term impacts on the investment world.So, rather than making changes to your portfolio in anticipation of what might happen if certain candidates get elected, or even in response to actual policy changes, look to other factors to drive your investment decisions. These factors should include the following: Your goals  You probably have short- and long-term goals youd like to achieve. For your short-term goals, such as a wedding, a down payment on a house or a long vacation, you may want to invest in instruments that provide stability of principal. For your long-term goals, most important of which may be a comfortable retirement, you'll need to own a reasonable number of growth-oriented investments.             Your risk tolerance  When you build and maintain your investment portfolio, you'll need to accommodate your individual risk tolerance. All investments carry some type of risk, but you need to be comfortable with the overall risk level of your investments.             Your time horizon  Where you are in life is an important consideration when investing. When you are young and just starting out in your career, you may be able to focus more on growth, as you have time to overcome the inevitable short-term market downturns. But as you near retirement, you may want to consolidate any gains you may have achieved, and lower your risk level, by moving your portfolio toward a somewhat more conservative approach. Even in retirement, though, you will need some growth potential to stay ahead of inflation.             Your needs for liquidity  As you invest, youll need to maintain an adequate amount of cash and cash equivalents in your holdings. Without this liquidity, you might be forced to sell long-term investments in case you have unexpected expenses.             In any case, when it comes to investing, you may want to pay less attention to what names are on the ballot and instead vote for the longer-term strategies that reflect your needs and goals. Chad Choate III, AAMS828 3rd Avenue WestBradenton, FL  34205941-462-2445chad.chaote@edwardjones.com

As our loved ones age, there comes a time when maintaining a clean and organized space can become a challenge. The clutter that accumulates can not only create a chaotic environment but can also hinder the quality of life for seniors. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we understand that an organized home is not just about aesthetics; its about promoting peace, purpose, and independence in the lives of our clients. In this blog, we will explore how a well-organized senior home can lead to emotional well-being while providing you with practical tips to help foster a harmonious living space.The Emotional Impact of ClutterClutter can have a significant emotional toll on seniors. Over time, accumulated belongings can create feelings of overwhelm, stress, and anxiety. This chaos can impact the mental health of our senior loved ones, making it difficult for them to enjoy their daily activities and connection with family and friends. Studies have shown that an organized environment can lead to decreased stress levels, improved focus, and even enhanced creativity.When we work with seniors, our approach isnt just about organizing their physical space; we strive to create an atmosphere that supports emotional and psychological well-being. By helping them declutter their homes, we also assist in decluttering their minds, enabling them to experience clarity and tranquility. The emotional journey of downsizing and organizing can be transformative. Heres how to guide your senior loved ones through this process.Tip 1: Start Small and Celebrate ProgressWhen faced with the task of organizing an entire home, starting small can make all the difference. Encourage your loved one to begin with a single room or a specific area, like a closet or a kitchen drawer. This manageable approach prevents feelings of being overwhelmed and allows for small victories.Celebrate each milestonewhether its clearing out a single shelf or a full closet. Acknowledging these achievements not only boosts confidence but also encourages a sense of accomplishment. Use phrases like, "Look at how much weve organized together! Imagine how good it will feel to have everything in its place. These small celebrations create emotional connections and reinforce positive behavior.Finding Purpose in Letting GoAnother critical element in the organizing process is teaching seniors that letting go of items can indeed be a nurturing act. We often hold onto possessions due to nostalgia, guilt, or fear of loss. However, by transforming the mindset around these cherished items, we can unlock the potential for a serene and purposeful life.Tip 2: Relate Memories to PurposeInstead of keeping every item associated with a memory, encourage your loved one to select a few meaningful pieces to keep while letting go of the rest. This helps them maintain the emotional connection to their past without being burdened by physical items.For instance, photographs can be digitized, and sentimental items can be displayed in a memory box. Remind them that the value of a memory does not diminish when the physical item is no longer present. Create an emotional dialogue, asking questions like, What will best represent these memories? This will help them find peace and purpose in what they choose to keep.Involve FamilyInvolving family members during this organizing journey can strengthen connections. Invite family to share in the decluttering process, helping seniors reminisce over cherished memories. This not only alleviates the emotional load but also fosters deeper connections among family members. Encourage family to come equipped with boxes for donations, which can bring joy and purpose in knowing that items will benefit others. Ultimately, decluttering is not only about creating physical space; it is about making room for new memories, experiences, and emotional health. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we are committed to supporting the loved ones who matter most. By providing personalized organizational services, we allow seniors to thrive in environments that reflect their current lives and cherish their past without the weight of clutter.In conclusion, an organized home can significantly enhance the emotional well-being of seniors. By understanding the emotional connections tied to their belongings and providing practical steps, we can help them find peace and purpose in their living spaces. Remember that a transformed environment is an emotional journeyfilled with joy, support, and love. A Call to Order Professional Organizers is here to stand by you and your loved ones in this vital process, ensuring that every step taken leads to a happier, healthier, and more organized life. Lets embark on this journey together and create spaces that foster connection and comfort. The best time to start is now!