From House to Home: Organizing with Love for Seniors

The Role of a Geriatric Care ManagerThe share of the United States population over the age of 65 has risen to 16%, and it is expected to climb further to 23% by 2060. People are living longer, and that means that people also have more specialized health care needs.Aging life care calls for a different kind of attention, as various conditions and syndromes begin to present themselves. Depending on which conditions those are, the situation can get complicated pretty quickly. In some cases, it might be worthwhile to consider hiring a geriatric care manager.As we and our loved ones age, we usually end up needing support from the people around us to make sure our needs are met. Family members in particular tend to shoulder this responsibility. But there are many reasons that might make it difficult to have a good support network in place. The most common reason is that family caregivers simply live too far away to provide reliable senior care management.In this context, geriatric care managers can be thought of as "professional relatives." If a family member is not able to provide long term care, geriatric care managers can help provide any and all services related to elder care. They are usually licenced nurses or social workers who are trained in aging life care, and they organize care plans and advocate for their patients needs.If you hire a geriatric care manager, you will be able to count on them to navigate the complexities of the health care system. It can also be helpful to have someone who can make decisions from a neutral point of view, as family caregivers sometimes have to make difficult decisions that are deeply personal.The primary responsibilities of a geriatric care manager are:Coordinating elder care between multiple service providersDeveloping both short and long term care plansHelping manage emotional concerns, stress, and anxietiesHelping manage transitional careHiring additional caregivers as necessaryMake home visits and evaluate living conditionsOngoing assessment of aging life care needsAll of this helps take the pressure off family members and ensures that geriatric care management is always under control.When to Seek Support With an Aging Life Care ExpertThere are many cases in which families are perfectly capable of managing aging life care for someone they love. But it can be challenging to know when you might be taking on more than you can reasonably expect to handle. As discussed above, one of the most obvious challenges is that family members do not live near the person who needs their care. But other complications are not as straightforward.You should consider hiring a geriatric care manager when:You need help with a complex issue. Lots of medical conditions can lead to the kinds of behaviors that should really be handled by aging life care professionals. Issues related to dementia, verbal abuse, or physical violence are among these.Your loved one will not talk to you about their health. Whether it is out of concern for privacy, a soured relationship, or an inability to describe what they are experiencing, older adults sometimes do not let relatives help them. A geriatric care manager gives them someone they feel comfortable talking to about their health. You are having trouble communicating with service providers. Geriatric care managers have a better understanding of where other aging life care professionals are coming from, so if you have run into a wall in negotiations or are not able to get the information you are looking for, your care manager is in a position to communicate more effectively.You do not know what to do. Caring for a loved one can be complicated for reasons beyond their health. We always want the best for them, but sometimes there are multiple pathways and it is not clear which one will be best. Geriatric care managers can provide their objective point of view to help your loved one receive the senior care that is right for themFinding Geriatric Care ManagersA geriatric care manager does not have to hold a state level license. But because many of them come from fields in health care, they elect to maintain their credentials. Care managers who come from social work often have to have active licensure in order to practice in their state.So on the one hand, a lack of certification or licensure is not necessarily a deal breaker. On the other hand, it is important that they can demonstrate their experience as aging life care professionals. If you are hiring a geriatric care manager, be sure to ask about the following:Do they have direct experience with managing issues specific to your loved one? This is especially important to cover in cases of severe injury or cognitive decline.Do they have experience with crisis care management? If your loved one is prone to seizures or is at high risk for falls or heart attacks, aging life care professionals need to know how to handle this type of emergency situation. Also ask them if they are available to respond around the clock, or if they have set hours.How will they communicate information to you? It might seem like a tedious question, but being on the same page about communication methods and styles can save everyone a lot of frustration and confusion.Can they provide references? It can be hard to really understand who you are working with based on their resume alone. Talking to people who know them well is a good way to corroborate your first impressions.How are their costs and fees structured? Senior care can be expensive it is typically not covered under Medicare or most other insurance plans so it is important to understand how much things will cost up front. Geriatric care managers charge by the hour, typically within a range of $75200 per hour.When families turn to aging life care professionals for care management services, they need to know as much as possible about the roles and responsibilities of the people they are bringing into the fold. Geriatric care managers help families navigate the complexities of elder care and relieve them of the stress and anxiety that so often comes along with it. They are experienced in working with a variety of national and local resources, care providers, and care services to ensure the highest quality of life possible.Give me a call for a FREE 20 minute consultation at 714-403-7040. source: Keystone Health, 2024. https://keystone.health/geriatric-care-manager-role-responsibilities#table-of-contents

As we grow older, our needs and priorities evolve, often making our living spaces feel less suitable than they once were. For seniors, the comfort of home becomes even more essential, yet the task of organizing and maintaining a home can become overwhelming. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we understand the emotional and physical challenges that seniors face. Our mission is to provide compassionate, expert assistance to help seniors feel at home, wherever they choose to live. Through our personalized services, we strive to create spaces that are not only organized but also nurturing and comfortable.Understanding Seniors' Needs1. Emotional Attachment to BelongingsFor many seniors, their homes are filled with a lifetime of memories and cherished belongings. Each item tells a story and holds sentimental value. The thought of sorting through these possessions can be daunting and emotionally taxing.Tips for Respectful Decluttering:Listen with Empathy: Take the time to listen to the stories behind the items. This shows respect for their memories and makes the process less about discarding and more about cherishing.Gentle Guidance: Encourage seniors to keep items that bring joy and consider donating or gifting those that don't. Highlight the positive impact of giving items a new life.Memory Preservation: Offer creative solutions to preserve memories, such as creating photo albums or digital archives of beloved items that can't be kept.2. Safety and AccessibilityAs mobility becomes a concern, its crucial to ensure that a seniors living space is safe and easily accessible. Organizing with a focus on safety can prevent accidents and make daily tasks more manageable.Strategies for a Safe Home:Clear Pathways: Ensure that hallways and living areas are free from clutter to reduce the risk of falls.Accessible Storage: Place frequently used items within easy reach to minimize the need for bending or stretching.Adaptive Solutions: Incorporate adaptive equipment and furniture arrangements that cater to mobility issues, such as grab bars in the bathroom and stable seating options.Creating a Sense of Home1. Personalized SpacesA home should reflect the personality and preferences of its inhabitants. For seniors, maintaining a sense of identity through their living environment is vital for emotional well-being.Personalization Tips:Favorite Items: Make sure that favorite belongings, like a beloved armchair or treasured photographs, are prominently displayed and easily accessible.Comfort Zones: Create cozy areas where seniors can relax, read, or engage in hobbies. A well-placed chair by a window, a dedicated crafting table, or a garden nook can enhance their quality of life.Warm Aesthetics: Use colors, textures, and decorations that evoke warmth and comfort. Familiar and favorite colors can make a space feel more inviting and homely.2. Encouraging IndependenceHelping seniors maintain their independence is crucial for their self-esteem and happiness. An organized home can empower them to perform daily tasks more efficiently and confidently.Empowering Through Organization:Logical Layouts: Arrange items in a logical order that matches their routines. For example, keep kitchen utensils near the stove and daily medications by the bedside.Simplify Systems: Implement simple organizational systems that are easy to maintain. Clear labels, color-coded bins, and straightforward filing systems can reduce confusion and make upkeep manageable.Regular Check-ins: Offer ongoing support to adjust the organization as needs change. Regular visits can help keep the home functional and address any new challenges that arise.At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, our commitment goes beyond mere organization. We aim to create environments where seniors feel safe, comfortable, and truly at home. By understanding their unique needs and providing compassionate, personalized support, we help transform living spaces into nurturing havens. Our approach ensures that every senior we assist not only enjoys an organized home but also experiences an enhanced quality of life filled with joy, dignity, and independence. If you or a loved one is facing the challenges of aging in place, we are here to help you feel at home, every step of the way.

As we approach our golden years, the likelihood of developing diabetes rises significantly. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), one-third of seniors have diabetes, and one-half have prediabetes. These numbers underscore the unfortunate reality that many older adults face daily as they navigate this condition. In this blog, well delve into the types of diabetes, symptoms to watch out for, and practical tips for managing it to help ensure that you or your loved one continues to live a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.What is diabetes?At its core, diabetes is about the bodys struggle with managing glucose, which is a vital source of energy for our cells. When this process breaks down, it can lead to various forms of diabetes, such as:Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the bodys defense system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This type of diabetes affects millions, including a significant number of adults.Type 2 Diabetes: Predominantly observed in adults, type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or fails to produce an adequate amount. Lifestyle factors, including diet and exercise, play a significant role in its onset.Prediabetes: Think of this as natures warning bell. Blood sugar levels are elevated but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. Alarmingly, 26.4 million seniors are in the prediabetic stages.Understanding these forms of diabetes is crucial, particularly as experts predict that the number of seniors with diabetes will double for those between 65 and 74 years old and quadruple for those older than 75 within the next couple of decades.Recognizing the warning signsSome diabetes symptoms can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal signs of aging. Being aware of these signs can lead to early diagnosis and better management:Frequent urination: This could be your bodys way of trying to flush out excess sugar.Excessive thirst: High blood sugar can lead to dehydration, making you feel thirstier than usual.Unexplained weight loss: When your body cant use sugar for energy, it starts burning fat and muscle, leading to weight loss.Fatigue: High sugar levels can make you feel tired and worn out, even after a full nights sleep.Blurred vision: High blood sugar can cause the lenses in your eyes to swell, altering your ability to focus clearly. If left untreated, this symptom can worsen rapidly and lead to permanent low vision complications.Slow-healing wounds: High blood sugar affects your blood flow and causes nerve damage, making it difficult for your body to heal wounds.Frequent infections: Diabetes tends to weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.Lifestyle tips for navigating diabetesManaging diabetes is a team effort, involving you, your loved ones, and your healthcare providers. Heres how to play your part:Diet: Food is fuel. Opt for foods that stabilize blood sugar, like whole grains, lean proteins, and colorful vegetables. These not only nourish but also ensure steady energy.Exercise: Gentle exercises like walking can boost mood, tai chi can improve balance, and swimming offers a full-body workout without stressing the joints.Regular Check-ups: Stay informed about your health. Regular monitoring can help tailor your management plan and catch potential issues early.Medication: Sometimes, diet and exercise might not be enough. Medications or insulin can help bridge the gap. Always consult with your doctor about your medication options.Living with diabetes day-to-day can be challenging, especially for seniors. Thats why weve created a free, easy-to-follow Trusted Tips guide to help you or your loved one navigate these challenges with greater ease and effectiveness. Download it today.Potential complications with diabetesDiabetes, if left unchecked, can open the door to other health challenges such as: Heart disease Kidney disease Vision problems Diabetic Neuropathy But heres the good news: proactive management can significantly reduce these risks. Regular check-ups, a balanced diet, and consistent exercise are your best friends when it comes to keeping the effects of this condition in check or preventing its onset entirely.Managing diabetes with supportNavigating diabetes in your golden years requires a delicate balance, but fortunately, you dont have to go through it alone. Use these insights to help you recognize early signs and cultivate healthy habits, empowering you or your loved ones to lead fulfilling, healthy lives.At HomeWell Care Services, we specialize in providing personalized care that simplifies diabetes management for seniors. Our services encompass everything from efficient medication management to ongoing symptom monitoring, all designed to support your health or that of your loved one on a daily basis. If youre seeking a care solution that adapts to the unique needs of living with diabetes, contact us today.