Spring is a great time for cleaning and organizing. As the trees show their leaves and flowers bloom, it feels good to refresh your home by working on decluttering, organizing and cleaning. Because spring is also a time when people are starting to think about putting their home on the market, now is the perfect opportunity to start downsizing. Lets get started!  WayForth is your trusted, professional move management experts. Contact our team today for a consultation on moving, downsizing, storage, and more!  Plan ahead This job isnt something for a spontaneous weekend. Planning your cleaning and organizing takes a little bit of work to make it worthwhile. First, decide what your goal is. Do you want to clear clutter from every room? Are you trying to downsize for a smaller home or get the basement organized? Do you want to deep clean your entire home? Whatever your goal is, make sure youve considered all options. Clutter-busting in your bedroom is very different from cleaning out your garage. Second, pick your process. While some people like to concentrate on a room or section of the house, others like to sort like with like. For example, some people gather all the books in the house in one central place and start from there. Others like to start with the messiest place in the house. Use whatever works best for you. Third, decide where unwanted items will go. Can you sell a collection or gift it to a friend? Will you donate to a favorite organization? If you need to trash some things, do you know your citys pick-up dates and rules? It helps to know this in advance so you can work effectively. Finally, gather any supplies you might need. If you are cleaning, make sure to have enough rags, paper towels, cleaning solutions, furniture spray, etc. If you are downsizing, you will want to stock up on boxes, tape and markers. You can also ask for some help from family or friends. To make sure you stick to your goal, take breaks and reward yourself when you get a big chore done.   Tackle one area at a time If youve decided to take on one room or area of your house at a time, choose the one that is the most in need of help. Getting the biggest chore off your plate and finished will spur you on to keep moving to other rooms. One method is to start in one corner and move around the room. This gives your cleaning and organizing a focus so you dont get overwhelmed. You can pay attention to each section of the room, whether youre cleaning, organizing or downsizing. Another method is to actually take everything out of the room and then sort, purge and clean as you put things back. This forces you to see how much is in the room and touch almost every single item.   Try sorting by categories  You can tackle this seasonal chore by item as well. Choose a category and go through it thoroughly and toss, sell or donate what you dont need. This can include things such as: Clothing you havent worn in the last two yearsPaperwork that isnt needed any longer Office or school items such as empty folders or old notebooksUnused electronics that no longer work or are not usedMismatched items including  single socks, storage bins without a lid, etc. Kitchen supplies such as expired spices or long-forgotten freezer items Books that have already been read Old make-up, nail polish or creams that are dated or dried out Use the 4-pile method  The professionals at WayForth often recommend four separate piles to help you sort and organize. These include: KEEP, SELL, DONATE and TRASH and what they like to refer to as The 4-Pile Method. The KEEP pile includes things that you are currently using, are going to take with you in a move or give to a family member or friend.  The SELL pile can be items that are designated for a yard sale or through an Internet sale site such as Ebay. Think about consignment shops or even online auction houses if you have a lot of items.  The DONATE group includes things that will go to charity organizations. Make sure you are realistic about what you are donating; items that are broken or stained will eventually be thrown away by the group.  TRASH is just what the name implies. This is the pile that is going to be thrown out. If you are disposing of electronics, old paint or other household materials that may include chemicals, be sure to know what guidelines you must follow in your area.   Helpful resources for donations If you have a list of organizations that take donations, it can be a lot easier to move things out. Make a list of places in your city that will be happy to make use of your donations. Weve gathered a few national organizations and other ideas to get you started. Habitat For Humanity Appreciates donations of gently used furniture, appliances, housewares, building materials and more. Global Literacy Project Accepts donated books in order to foster community-based literacy initiatives throughout the world. Project Smile Donated baby and childrens items are provided to emergency responders to help ease the pain and fear of children in their care.For those who are giving away items for free in their own towns and neighborhoods,Freecycleis all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills. Or try your local Buy Nothing group on Facebook.  Dress for Success Provides interview suits, confidence boosts, and career development to low-income women in over 75 cities worldwide. Lions Clubs Eyeglass Recycling Recycled glasses are distributed to people in need in low- and middle-income communities. Cell Phones for Soldiers This non-profit helps connect our troops around the world with their families. Browse the internet for your local animal shelter. They are always in need of blankets, towels, sheets, and soft bedding to provide their rescues with warmth and a comfortable place to sleep during their stay.  If you or a loved one is downsizing to move to a new home, WayForth can help with our comprehensive moving solutions. They include downsizing, clear-out, storage and moving. For more information, contact our moving professionals today at 817.697.4478.

One of the most alarming conditions a senior can develop is paranoia, a mental state characterized by persistent fears, worries, and accusations that often strike loved ones as irrational or even ridiculous. As a caregiver, you may feel at a loss about how you can help. The first step is to understand the causes of paranoia in the elderly and what symptoms to watch for. Then, youll be better equipped to navigate the situation and provide the best treatment for your loved one.What Causes Paranoia in the Elderly?Paranoia and extreme anxiety in seniors can often be traced to an underlying medical problem. Its important to uncover this cause so you can find the proper treatment. Here are some potential health issues that could be to blame for your loved ones developing paranoia:Alzheimers disease and dementiaBrain tumorsStroke, head injuries, or reduced oxygen to the brain causing vascular damagePsychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or depressionDehydration- or drug-induced delirium and cognitive impairmentUntreated urinary tract infectionsSide effects from certain medicationsSymptoms of Paranoia in the ElderlyDont let slight behavioral changes go unnoticed, as they could become more frequent and severe if left unaddressed. Here are the signs of paranoia to watch for in your elderly loved one:Showing extreme agitation, hypervigilance, or stress without explanationExpressing feelings of unfair persecutionBeing easily offended or not handling criticism wellAssigning harmful meanings to others words or actionsHaving difficulty trusting othersIts important to note that if a seniors living situation makes them feel socially isolated, uncomfortable, or depressed, it may intensify the symptoms listed above.Tips for CaregiversCaring for a loved one with paranoia can be challenging, to say the least. Distressing behaviors and accusations from an elderly loved one may alienate or frighten family members and friends. As a result, the increased demands of caring for a paranoid older person may become exhausting if not approached the right away. Here are some tips to help caregivers navigate this difficult situation:Assess the seniors living environment: If your loved one starts showing symptoms of paranoia shortly after moving to an assisted living facility or nursing home, this could be a sign that theyre not comfortable in this new environment. It may be best to make different arrangements to improve your loved ones mental health and quality of life.Patiently explain the situation: A senior may accuse their neighbor of stealing the mail. Instead of being dismissive, investigate these concerns and provide a reasonable explanation: Mr. Jones isnt stealing your mail, Dad. Remember, letters arent delivered on Sundays.Let the senior feel heard and loved: Sometimes, the answer for a stressful situation isnt to explain the paranoia away. Try to respond with love and understanding to a difficult situation of paranoia.Keep a record: Daily journaling can help you objectively look for signs of improvement or regression in your elderly loved one. Consider any potential causes that could be triggering the behavior, and show doctors your notes when they perform medical exams.Reach out for help: Ask your family members for support, connect with other caregivers for advice, or hire a professional caregiving service to provide respite care when you need a break.How to Treat Paranoia in the ElderlyYoull find it encouraging to learn that many seniors respond well to treatment. Here are some examples of how isolating the cause of elderly paranoia can help you find an effective treatment:Problem: A senior thinks her family members are talking about her behind her back.Solution: A physician can check the seniors hearing aid and may find that auditory feedback is to blame for her hearing things.Problem: A senior is paranoid about her finances. She accuses her caregiver of stealing her wallet when in reality, she simply misplaced it.Solution: The family can hire a financial advisor to work with the senior and lay out the facts.Problem: A senior is convinced his family doesnt love him anymore because they dont visit as often as he thinks they should.Solution: Family members can make an effort to call and visit more, calmly explaining the reality of the situation if accusations arise.Problem: A senior begins showing signs of confusion and paranoia shortly after a hospital stay involving a catheter.Solution: A doctor can perform blood work and may discover a urinary tract infection, which causes confusion and delirium in some seniors.If your loved ones paranoia is causing distress and exhaustion among your family members, hiring an in-home caregiver could provide the support you need. The qualified, compassionate professionals at BrightStar Care offer peace of mind during this challenging time of changing behaviors in your loved one. We understand the difficulties you face and are committed to going above and beyond to provide the highest-quality care available.Call us today for help at 952-300-3698 or visit us at https://www.brightstarcare.com/locations/south-minneapolis-metro/

When most people think about wellness, they often think of physical or emotional wellness. While taking care of our minds and bodies are two very important parts of a holistic lifestyle, spiritual wellness can also have a profound impact on our overall health.Discover the importance of spiritual wellness as you age, and learn tips from our experts at Freedom Village of Bradenton on how to enhance your spiritual growth during retirement. WHAT IS SPIRITUAL WELLNESS?Spiritual wellness means living by a set of beliefs, morals, principles, and values that give your life meaning and purpose. Its the act of looking beyond your physical being and connecting to something greater. Many people find this connection through religion, meditation or nature.Spirituality is a lifelong practice that focuses on the connection within ourselves, our communities and a greater sense of purpose. It drives our inner belief system and helps us decide what we truly value in life.THE BENEFITS OF SPIRITUAL WELLNESSMost research on the benefits of spiritual wellness is relatively new, but studies have shown that everyone can benefit from strengthening this essential dimension of a holistic lifestyle. Look at how your life can improve by cultivating your spiritual growth:Reduce stress.Using your energy to focus on spiritual activities that help you practice mindfulness is a great way to reduce stress and stay positive. Setting aside a few moments during the day to meditate or reflect on your spirituality can help you feel less overwhelmed in stressful situations, and help you let go of negative feelings that arent serving your greater purpose.Decrease feelings of anxiety and depression.Improving spiritual wellness changes your attitude and behavior in a way that helps you reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, because it provides you with a regularly renewed sense of hope. Even when the road is long, spirituality provides an unwavering resource of comfort and support. Make stronger social connections.There have been several studies that show regular religious or spiritual involvement is linked to larger and more stable social networks. Keep in mind that spiritual activities dont always have to be religious services. Connecting with other people during a peaceful hike, attending a yoga class, or volunteering are all great ways to foster your spirituality and build meaningful relationships.  Indulge in more meaningful travel.An unexpected benefit of spiritual wellness for seniors is more enjoyable travel. Older adults who travel to boost their spiritual growth experience greater levels of self-transcendent emotions and an increased sense of well-being. Spiritual seniors who travel also report their adventures provide a greater sense of meaning to their lives and help them reflect more positively on the meaning of life. ACTIVITIES TO IMPROVE YOUR SPIRITUAL WELLNESSEveryones spiritual practice looks a little different, and theres no one way to find a deeper connection with something greater than yourself. The best way to find out what works to cultivate your spirituality is by trying new activities, repeating the ones that feed your soul, and leaving behind those that dont.Here are spiritual wellness activities that might work for your routine during retirement:Take a mindful walk in nature.As you walk, feel the ground beneath your feet, the air on your skin, and hear the sounds of nature that surround you. For an extrasensory experience, take a barefoot walk on the beach.Have a conversation with yourself.This is called exploring your spiritual core. Ask yourself questions about the person you are, the person you want to be and what gives you purpose. These questions can lead you on a journey toward self-discovery and fulfillment. Try yoga or dance.Synchronizing your breath and movement helps you enter a state of flow, which is when youve achieved complete focus on a single activity. Plus, dancing with intention or completing a yoga flow allows you to release your emotions and ease anxiety.Attend a church service.Theres nothing like sharing your passion for spiritual wellness with your friends and family at a church service. Along with attending your regular service, try a service during a different day of the week or different time of day to meet other members of your congregation, or ask to tag along with a friend to experience service at a new church. Get creative.Spirituality can present itself in many ways. Celebrate and cultivate your spiritual wellness by creating a beautiful painting, cross-stitching your favorite proverb, or even baking holiday cookies for your neighbors. One of the biggest benefits of improving spiritual wellness is that it also has a positive impact on other key dimensions of wellness including emotional, physical and social dimensions. So the next time you work on cultivating your spiritual growth, reflect on how it could also strengthen other areas of your life. ENHANCE YOUR SPIRITUAL WELLNESS AT FREEDOM VILLAGE OF BRADENTONWith services and amenities like an arts and crafts studio, community rose garden, chapel, energizing volunteer projects, and group fitness classes including yoga there  are opportunities to enhance your spiritual wellness around every corner at Freedom Village of Bradenton. To learn more about our community or schedule an in-person tour, contact our senior living representatives online. Well be in touch shortly! Call us today at 941-219-5294.