Caring for Our Seniors: A Guide to Senior Care Solutions

In the rapid pace of modern life, it can be easy to overlook the small moments that bring us joy. Whether its a warm cup of coffee in the morning, a heartfelt conversation with a friend, or the beauty of nature, these fleeting instances often get lost amid our busy schedules and responsibilities. At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we believe that finding joy in the everyday is essential for cultivating a fulfilled and balanced life. In this blog, we will explore how to identify and embrace those golden inspirations around you, accompanied by actionable tips that can help you create a joyful daily routine.The Importance of Seeking Joy in Everyday LifeJoy is not merely a momentary feeling; it is a state of mind that can significantly impact our overall well-being. When we consciously seek joy in our daily lives, we open ourselves to greater happiness and satisfaction. Heres why unveiling and celebrating these moments matters:Cultivating a Positive MindsetElevated Emotional Health: Engaging with joyful experiences has been linked to improved mental health. By focusing on positive moments, we can reduce stress and anxiety, transforming our emotional landscape.Enhancing Mindfulness: Finding joy requires presence. When we hone in on the simple pleasures of life, we practice mindfulness, allowing us to fully appreciate each moment rather than exist in autopilot mode.Strengthening RelationshipsShared Joy: Joy is often amplified when shared with others. Celebrating lifes little victories together fosters deeper connections and strengthens bonds between friends, family, and colleagues.Creating Lasting Memories: Moments of joy often lead to cherished memories. By capturing these instances together, we build a tapestry of shared experiences that can bring comfort and happiness in times of need.Tips for Finding Joy Every DayWhile it may seem daunting to intentionally seek joy, there are simple, actionable steps you can take to illuminate your day with happiness. Here are some practical tips to help you discover those golden inspirations in everyday life:Step 1: Start with a Gratitude PracticeDaily Gratitude Journal: Each morning or evening, jot down three things youre grateful for. This practice shifts your focus to the positive aspects of your life, helping you recognize and celebrate them.Share Your Gratitude: Take the time to express your gratitude to someone in your lifebe it a family member, friend, or colleague. Acknowledging the good in others can create ripples of positivity and strengthen those connections.Step 2: Embrace MindfulnessMindful Mornings: Start your day with a few minutes of mindfulness. Use this time to breathe deeply, savor your morning beverage, and appreciate the quiet before the day begins. Engaging your senses will deepen your awareness of lifes simple pleasures.Pause and Observe: Throughout your day, take moments to pause and observe your surroundings. Whether its the sound of birds chirping, the warmth of sunlight, or the aroma of a favorite meal cooking, engage with those sensory delights to invigorate your spirit.Step 3: Seek Out Simple JoysCreate Joyful Routines: Establish rituals that bring you joy. It could be a leisurely stroll in the park, cooking a favorite recipe, or curling up with a good book. Infusing joy into your routine nurtures a sense of balance.Try Something New: Discover new joys by stepping outside your comfort zone. Attend a local event, try a new hobby, or participate in a fitness class. Exploring new experiences can spark excitement and rejuvenate your outlook.Step 4: Connect with NatureNature Breaks: Spend time outdoors, whether its a walk in the park or simply sitting on a bench. Nature has a unique way of restoring our spirits and bringing joy. Observe the beauty around you, breathe in fresh air, and let nature inspire gratitude.Bring Nature Indoors: Incorporate elements of nature into your living spacehouseplants, flowers, or nature-inspired dcor can uplift your home environment and serve as daily reminders of the beauty around you.Step 5: Create a Joy JarCapture Inspiring Moments: Keep a joy jar where you can drop in notes of happy moments or experiences youve had throughout the year. When youre feeling low, reading these notes can rekindle joy and remind you of the positive moments that have filled your life.Share the Joy: Encourage family members or friends to contribute to the joy jar. This collaborative effort creates a shared sense of happiness and helps you cultivate deeper connections.Conclusion: Embrace the Golden Inspirations in Your LifeAt A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we believe that joy is an essential ingredient in the recipe for a fulfilling life. By intentionally seeking out and celebrating the golden inspirations that surround you, you can create a more positive, balanced existence filled with happiness. Remember that joy can be found in the smallest moments, and by engaging with these experiences, you invite fulfillment and gratitude into your daily life.As you embark on this journey, allow yourself to relish each days little victories and moments of beauty. If you ever feel overwhelmed by the chaos of life and need assistance in organizing not just your space but also your mindset, A Call to Order is here to help you find clarity and joy. Together, lets create a life that celebrates the golden inspirations waiting to be discovered each and every day!

Alzheimers disease impacts the lives of seven million Americans who suffer from this disease, but millions more feel the effects as the disease steals the memories of a loved one. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 55 million individuals around the globe live with dementia; experts estimate that Alzheimers accounts for the majority of dementia cases (60 to 70 percent).As Alzheimers disease progresses, individuals lose the ability to manage everyday tasks, including crucial self-care (like getting dressed and eating independently). September 21 marks World Alzheimers Day, which seeks to increase awareness about the disease and its symptoms and fight the stigma linked to Alzheimers diagnosis.  Table of Contents:Dementia vs. Alzheimers DiseaseAlzheimers SymptomsEarly Signs of Alzheimers DiseaseStages of Alzheimers DiseaseWhat Is a Memory Care Facility?Signs Its Time For Memory CareCosts of Memory CareHow Senior Moves Helps Families of Alzheimers PatientsKey Takeaways:Alzheimers disease touches the lives of tens of millions of individuals across the world. World Alzheimers Day unites families as they strive to increase awareness, remove the stigma about this disease, and find the best care and support for their loved ones.Dementia Vs. Alzheimers DiseaseIndividuals diagnosed with Alzheimers disease have dementia as part of the disease progression. However, not all individuals with dementia are diagnosed with Alzheimers disease. Dementia, the loss of memory and judgment, is a symptom of numerous diseases and medical conditions. Race Against Dementia explains that dementia is also a symptom of Huntingtons disease, hydrocephalus, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. In addition, numerous types of dementia exist; Parkinsons disease dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and vascular dementia are independent diagnoses. However, Alzheimers disease accounts for the majority of dementia casesaround 70 to 80 percent!Alzheimers SymptomsOnly a doctor can properly diagnose Alzheimers disease. However, individuals should learn to understand and identify this disease's numerous warning signs and red flags. Early diagnosis ensures that patients may begin care and medication to help slow disease progression. Early Signs of Alzheimers DiseaseAge leads to common memory issues; misplacing car keys and retracing steps to find them is a common problem. Forgetting an occasional appointment also may be a common issue correlated to growing older. There are many red flags of Alzheimers disease or dementia that are not related to growing older, including:Forgetting conversations and asking the same questions repeatedlyGetting lost while going to a familiar location. Losing items and finding them in unusual places (a wallet may be in a kitchen cabinet)Struggling with basic problem solving (balancing a checkbook, making a familiar meal, etc.)Inability to track time (dressing for fall when its summer)Visual issues (struggling with depth perception)Communication struggles (forgetting a word is normal, but forgetting common objects is a red flag)Making poor judgements (dementia patients may give away possessions or make large donations without thinking of the impact)Disinterest in friends or social experiencesAnger, frustration, and other mood issuesThe Stages of Alzheimers DiseaseAlzheimers disease is progressive, and it is unfortunately fatal. According to the Alzheimers Association, the disease has three stages: early, middle, and late.The earliest stages of Alzheimers typically lead to subtle memory issues; at this point, family and friends may notice that their loved one struggles with memory issues. They may forget appointments or constantly ask the same questions. The early stage is when small red flags appear.Alzheimers middle stage leads to more serious memory concerns. The Alzheimers Association explains that patients may forget personal information, get lost in familiar areas, struggle with time, and their bladder or bowels may begin to fail as patients lose the ability to control these functions. Mood and personality also begin to change.The late stage of Alzheimers disease is the final and most severe stage. Communication may be difficult or impossible. Patients must receive 24/7 care, as they cannot eat or get dressed. Eventually, the disease overtakes the body, and eating and swallowing becomes impossible. The Alzheimers journey may endure for nearly two decades, from the beginning or early stages to the final stage of the disease. However, every patient is different.  What Is a Memory Care Facility?As an individual near the middle and late stages of Alzheimers, symptoms increase, and the ability to manage daily tasks becomes untenable. Alzheimers patients may wander, posing a risk to their safety. Judgment also wanes, and Alzheimers patients may jeopardize their financial wellbeing by making poor money management decisions.Eventually, Alzheimers patients require around-the-clock care and support. Family members may discover that they can no longer care for their parents or relatives and may begin to research future care and health management options.A memory care facility is a special residential facility that specializes in the unique care needs of dementia patients. Individuals receive 24/7 care and monitoring, with assistance for managing medications, safety, and support for activities of daily living (ADL) like getting dressed, bathing, going to the bathroom, eating, and mobility. Memory care facilities typically feature alarms at every exit that activates when a patient tries to leave.Signs Its Time for a Memory Care FacilityThe choice to move a parent or loved one into a memory care facility is very personal. How do you know its time for memory care? Many family members make the difficult decision to place their parent or family member in memory care when the individuals safety becomes compromised. While family members may provide care, dementia and Alzheimers disease gets worse over time. Individuals may start to leave their home and wander. They may make poor financial decisions or become openly hostile. As Alzheimers progresses, individuals need help with eating, bathing, and going to the bathroom. Family members may realize that they are unable to provide the level of care their loved one needs, and memory care becomes the bestand the safestoption. Costs of Memory CarePrivate insurance typically does not cover the cost of memory care facilities. However, some facilities could accept Medicaid. Dementia Care reports that memory care facilities cost around $54K annually (a national average). In some states, the cost could be higher or lower. Families may visit numerous facilities to find the best care for their parent or loved one. Prices may vary, but amenities also could be very different at each facility. How Senior Moves Helps Families of Alzheimers PatientsWhen the home is no longer safe and independence is no longer an option, families must begin to transition their loved ones to a residential care facility. Senior Moves works with families to make this transition easier for everyone. Our team helps families prepare a home for sale. Senior Moves works with family members to sort through every possession, labeling piles to keep, donate, or discard. Our team also organizes and cleans the home, staging it to appeal to the most buyers.Senior Moves helps with the move, too. We pack and unpack and arrange the new room to feel more like home. Our team also works with families to help ease the transition to a new space. Our team understands the difficulty of a dementia diagnosis. We walk family members through every step of the transition and help ease their minds (and hearts) as they prepare their parents (or loved ones) for a move to a memory care unit. Learn more about the services we offer, and reach out to our team to schedule a consultation. 

As we journey through life, it's all too easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, missing the small moments that truly make life beautiful. With each new day, we have an opportunity to pause, reflect, and appreciate the richness around us. At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we believe that cultivating gratitude can bring clarity and joy to our lives, allowing us to see the beauty in each moment. In this blog, well explore the empowering practice of gratitude as a tool for mindfulness and fulfillment, and share actionable tips to help you embrace a mindset of appreciation in the midst of a busy life.The Impact of Gratitude on Our LivesGratitude extends beyond just saying thank you. Its a profound practice that can transform our outlook on life by inviting positivity and enhancing our overall well-being. Here, we delve into how gratitude can influence your life:Emotional ResilienceShift in Perspective: Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we already possess. This simple shift in perspective can help alleviate feelings of dissatisfaction or envy, enabling us to find joy in lifes everyday moments.Enhances Mental Health: Numerous studies have shown that practicing gratitude can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. By focusing on positive aspects, we nurture a sense of emotional well-being that serves us intimately in difficult times.Strengthening ConnectionsBuilding Relationships: Expressing gratitude fosters connection with others. When we express appreciation for the people in our livesfamily, friends, coworkerswe reinforce our bonds and create a more supportive community.Promoting Kindness: Acts of gratitude can inspire a ripple effect, encouraging others to practice gratitude and kindness as well. This cycle enriches our lives as we contribute positively to the well-being of those around us.Tips for Cultivating an Attitude of GratitudeIncorporating gratitude into your daily routine doesnt have to be complicated. Here are some practical tips to help you nurture a mindset of appreciation and find beauty in everyday life:Step 1: Start a Gratitude JournalDaily Reflections: Dedicate a few minutes each day to write down three things you are grateful for. This practice encourages mindfulness and prompts you to recognize the positive moments, no matter how small.Be Specific: Instead of general statements, be specific in your gratitude. For instance, instead of simply writing Im grateful for my family, say Im grateful for the laughter shared over dinner with my family last night. This specificity fosters a deeper emotional connection.Step 2: Set Reminders to PauseMindful Moments: Choose specific times throughout your day to pause and reflect on what youre grateful for. Whether its during your morning coffee, a lunchtime walk, or before bed, allowing yourself these mindful moments can ground you in the present.Visual Cues: Place reminders in conspicuous placessticky notes on your bathroom mirror, in your workspace, or on your fridge. These visual cues can jog your memory to express gratitude as you go about your day.Step 3: Express Your GratitudeReach Out: Take time to express gratitude to those around you. Send a heartfelt message, write a thank-you note, or verbally express your appreciation to someone who has impacted your life positively. These interactions not only uplift the recipient but also create warmth in your heart.Create a Gratitude Jar: Set up a jar in your home where you and your loved ones can drop in notes of gratitude throughout the year. Encourage everyone to write down things they appreciate, then read them together during special occasions or at the end of the year. This practice can enhance your connections and foster a sense of community.Step 4: Embrace NatureConnect with Your Surroundings: Spend time outdoors and appreciate the beauty of nature. Whether its a walk in the park, a hike in the woods, or simply enjoying the view from your window, immersing yourself in nature can profoundly boost your grateful mindset.Mindful Observation: Practice mindfulness by observing your environment with curiosity. Take note of the colors, sounds, and textures around you. Allow nature to inspire feelings of awe and gratitude for the worlds beauty.Step 5: Reflect on ChallengesGratitude for Growth: Its essential to recognize that challenges also contribute to our growth. Reflect on the obstacles youve faced and identify the lessons learned or strengths cultivated as a result. This perspective allows us to find gratitude even in difficult circumstances.Conclusion: Embracing the Beauty of LifeAt A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we understand that life is a tapestry woven from experiences, memories, and emotions. By fostering an attitude of gratitude, we can appreciate the beauty in both the simple and profound moments of our lives. Embracing gratitude allows us to cultivate joy, strengthen relationships, and navigate life with a deeper sense of purpose.As you embark on this journey toward gratitude, remember that every day holds opportunities for appreciation. By implementing the tips shared, youll find a newfound clarity that brings richness to your experiences. We invite you to explore the beauty of life with us and discover how the practice of gratitude can transform your perspective. If you ever feel overwhelmed or need support in organizing your gratitude practices or your life, A Call to Order is here to help you create clarity and structure. Together, lets celebrate the beauty in life, one grateful moment at a time.