Declutter with Joy: Preparing Senior Homes for a Peaceful Holiday Season

By Faith Protsman, MD, Regional Medical Director, VITAS HealthcareTwo recent studies highlight how sepsis impact often extends well beyond the acute event that led to a patients hospitalization. The studies emphasize two particular points that should inform physicians and clinicians as they consider referring these patients to specialized care: Medicare patient data gathered between 2012-2017 shows that sepsis patients face considerably poorer health outcomes following hospital discharge when compared to non-sepsis patients, including elevated risk for death and increased use of advanced healthcare services. Sepsis survivors exhibit strong indicators of persistent inflammation and immunosuppression for up to a year after hospital discharge, increasing their risk of readmission or death. Both studies indicate a significantly elevated risk of death among sepsis patients after they have been discharged and ostensibly cured. Of course, sepsis patientsparticularly those of the Medicare cohort, who are largely of advanced agerarely leave the hospital in better condition than they entered.The Yende study, in particular, shows that neuroendocrine and inflammatory responses to sepsis can continue long after the patient survives a septic episode. For patients with advanced or chronic diseasesas was the case with nearly 78% of participants in the studythese biomarkers are associated with decline.Post-sepsis Discharge: A Critical JunctureIn many cases, these individuals life expectancies upon discharge will be less than six months. This is a critical juncture: While comfort-focused hospice care could provide an ideal source of support for the eligible patient, their family, and their caregiver(s), most sepsis patients are simply sent home without even a discussion about palliative end-of-life care and its benefits.Frankly, such an oversight is a disservice to everyone involved. The sepsis patient is left with physical and/or cognitive dysfunction, often without significant options for symptom management. Their partner or family will either need to assume caregiving duties or turn to costly private services. And the physician and hospital staff will likely see the patient again following another acute event, a readmission that impacts performance scores, strains resources, and unnecessarily fills beds.By no means do I intend to lay the blame for these unfortunate circumstances on physicians. Timely hospice referrals require ongoing education about end-of-life care, and open, ongoing communication between hospice providers and referral sources.More Help: How to Talk About Hospice Care >Those of us in hospice are working hard to bridge the gap, but even as our healthcare system transitions to a value-based model, the mentality of fee-for-service still permeates our nations acute-care facilities, and many hospitalists see a discharge home as a success.Hospice: A New Way Of Judging SuccessIn hospice, we judge our successes on the patients quality of life and the fulfillment of their goals and wishes near lifes end. Usually, that means going home with 24/7 support from an interdisciplinary hospice team. Whether home is a traditional residence, an assisted living facility, or nursing home, the hospice team will assist caregivers (and/or facility staff) with direct clinical care and education, integrative services, bereavement support, and delivery of medication, equipment, and supplies.In other cases, improving quality of life means remaining in a general inpatient setting with hospice support, taking the burden off hospital staff until the patient is able to transition home or until the patient dies. Hospice offers complex modalities in any setting, so patients who would otherwise be confined to an ICU can usually return home to be among loved ones.With support from hospice, a sepsis patient and their family are more likely to report higher satisfaction of care and greater quality of life. The patients emotional and spiritual needs can be met alongside their physical needs, thanks to care from chaplains, social workers, music and massage therapists, and other integrative specialists. Finally, the patient is more likely to die at home, surrounded by loved ones, rather than in the hospital.Because sepsis is most common in patients with advanced or chronic diseases that indicate hospice eligibility, acute incidences of sepsis should always trigger a hospice eligibility assessment. We owe it to our patients, their loved ones, and our colleagues in healthcare, all of whom can benefit from the support that timely end-of-life care offers. 

If you're caring for both young children and aging parents, you're likely part of the sandwich generation. As the adult child of an aging parent, you may already feel the weight of the responsibility, even if you're not directly providing care. However, for those actively caregiving, the stress can be overwhelming.According to 2018 data from the Pew Research Center, about 12% of parents of young children are also caring for an older adult. These unpaid family caregivers spend an average of 2 hours a day providing care, amounting to approximately $470 billion in unpaid caregiving annually. The demands on sandwich generation caregivers go beyond physical tasksthey may also take on roles as healthcare experts, volunteer coordinators, and advocates, all while managing full-time jobs. It can feel like working two or more full-time roles at once.Luckily, the right senior living option, such as a personal care home, can help both you and your aging parent. Personal care homes provide a comfortable, supportive environment where your loved one can receive assistance with daily tasks, allowing them to live as independently as possible while maintaining a high quality of life. This type of care can ease your burden, helping you focus on spending time with your parent and relieving some of the stress from your caregiving responsibilities.What the Sandwich Generation FacesThe sandwich generation is uniquely positioned in the middle of two significant caregiving responsibilities: raising children and ensuring the well-being of aging parents. Both roles are demanding and often leave caregivers feeling stretched thin. Studies show that parents often remain sleep-deprived for years after having children, and by the time theyre navigating the challenges of schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and teenage issues, theres little time left for themselves.The Practical Challenges of CaregivingBetween caring for children, working, and looking after aging parents, it can be impossible to find time for anything else. Its common for caregivers to feel that they are constantly running between tasks and juggling too many responsibilities. And when you're caring for an aging parent with health issues, your obligations can feel even heavier. For those who provide care for both children and elderly parents, it may seem like theres never enough time to meet everyone's needs, including your own.Its easy to fall into the trap of feeling like you're failing at all roles because the demands are so high. But its important to remember that your efforts are invaluable. Consider how much youd pay for an in-home aide or a childcare provider to fulfill some of these tasksit can help you realize the true value of the care you're giving.You Dont Have to Do It AloneIf you're feeling alone in your caregiving journey, you're not. Millions of Americans face the same challenges, and there are resources available to help. A major obstacle for caregivers is the sense of dutyfeeling like you have to do everything on your own for your family, no matter the cost to your own well-being. Many caregivers worry that seeking help is a sign of weakness or that theyre abandoning their loved ones.In reality, no one person can fulfill all the roles needed to care for both children and elderly parents. The right support, such as a personal care home for your parent, can make a huge difference. These homes offer a safe, supportive environment where your loved one can receive assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication management while also enjoying social events and a sense of community. This allows you to visit your parent without worrying about caregiving tasks, helping to restore balance to your relationship.Todays personal care homes offer a variety of services that may be difficult to manage at home, including prepared meals, housekeeping, and wellness programs. Many seniors express relief and contentment upon moving into a personal care home, often wishing they had made the decision sooner.Some Signs You Need Help and SupportIf you're feeling overwhelmed, its important to recognize when additional help is needed. Your well-being matters, and seeking support for yourself and your loved one is a proactive step toward a healthier and more balanced life. Some signs that you may need additional help include:You have an unsupportive partner who doesnt help with caregiving.Youre overwhelmed by family criticism regarding your caregiving choices.You feel exhausted, burned out, or chronically stressed.You dont have time to take care of yourself.Youre finding less meaning in caregiving and feel resentment.You worry that you cant provide your aging parent with the support they need.Youre feeling depressed or anxious.Your caregiving roles frequently conflict with one another.Having a conversation with your aging parent about moving into a personal care home isnt about giving up; its about providing them with a better quality of life while relieving you of some of the caregiving burdens. Its a win-win situationyour parent will have the support they need, and you can enjoy time together without the stress of constant caregiving demands.As a member of the sandwich generation, its essential to recognize when you need support. Personal care homes, such as Magnolia Place of Saxonburg, can provide the care and community your aging parent needs, giving you the freedom to focus on your family and self-care. You don't have to do it all alonesupport is available to help you balance your responsibilities and improve your quality of life for everyone involved.  Give us a call today to learn more at (724) 352-2827.

As we grow older, our homes often become a tapestry woven with the threads of our memories, experiences, and cherished moments. For seniors, their living space is not just a house; it's a sanctuary that reflects their life's journey. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we understand the emotional significance of maintaining a nurturing environment, particularly for seniors. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that every senior home is organized with heart, respect, and a strong emotional connection. In this blog, we will explore why we pour our passion into helping seniors create spaces that honor their lives and legacies.The Emotional Landscape of a Senior's HomeA home filled with memories carries profound emotional weight. From family photos adorning the walls to the cherished heirlooms passed down through generations, each item represents a moment in time. As seniors age, the need to declutter and reorganize may arise, but this process can be emotionally charged. Its crucial to approach this task with sensitivity and compassion.At A Call to Order, we recognize that downsizing or reorganizing a senior's home involves navigating complex emotions. Many seniors may feel anxious about letting go of possessions that hold significant meaning. Our heart-centered approach ensures that we listen deeply to their stories, valuing their connections to their belongings. We strive to create an environment where seniors feel supported, understood, and empowered throughout the organizing process.Tips for Ensuring Emotional Well-Being While Organizing1. Start with Open Dialogue: Initiate discussions with seniors about their feelings regarding their belongings. Encourage them to share the stories behind cherished items and why they are important. By creating a safe space for these conversations, we can build trust and facilitate a smoother organizing experience.2. Honor Their Attachment: Recognize that its not just about decluttering; its about honoring memories. Items may have deep sentimental value, and its important to respect that attachment. Help seniors decide which items they truly want to keep by guiding them through thoughtful reflection.3. Create a "Treasure Box": Work with seniors to select a small box for items they cant bear to part with but dont have the space for. This "treasure box" allows them to retain special memories without cluttering their living space. It serves as a snapshot of their life, showcasing what's truly meaningful to them.4. Visual Aids: Use visual aids like photographs or sketches to help seniors visualize their spaces potential. This technique can help them better understand how decluttering will create a more peaceful environment in which to live.5. Physical and Emotional Assistance: Remember that physical assistance in organizing often goes hand-in-hand with emotional support. Be present, listen actively, and take breaks when needed. A supportive attitude can significantly ease the process for seniors.Our Heart-Centered Approach: More Than Just OrganizingAt A Call to Order, we believe that our role goes beyond merely organizing spaces; we are committed to creating an atmosphere of care and compassion. Our heart-centered approach has been finely tuned to meet the unique needs of seniors while ensuring that they feel respected and valued.Why Our Clients Trust Us?1. Customized Solutions: Every senior's life story is unique, and their homes should reflect that individuality. We provide personalized organizing solutions tailored to their specific needs, preferences, and emotional attachments.2. Empathy First: Our team understands that each organizing project may evoke different feelingsnostalgia, anxiety, joy, or even sadness. We approach every situation with empathy and understanding, ensuring our clients feel comfortable throughout the process.3. Legacy Preservation: The work we do in senior homes is about more than just organizing; its about preserving legacies. We help seniors create spaces that not only reflect their lives but also enable them to share their stories with loved ones, instilling a sense of pride in their journey.4. Building Lasting Relationships: At A Call to Order, we believe in forming genuine connections with our clients. Many seniors find that they not only have an organizer, but a confidant and friend throughout their journey. This human connection fosters trust, making the organizing experience much more enriching.5. Community Empowerment: We take pride in uplifting the community we serve. By empowering seniors to reclaim their spaces, we help them cultivate a nurturing environment, benefitting their overall well-being.In conclusion, every home deserves to be a place filled with love, memories, and peace. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we are dedicated to creating spaces that reflect the essence of our senior clients. Our heart-centered approach ensures that we celebrate their lives, preserving not only their belongings but also their legacies. Let us help you or your loved one navigate the sometimes-challenging journey of organizing with compassion and care, creating a lasting sanctuary at home.