For women, eldercare should not mean sacrificing your careerMany women, especially those in mid-career, find themselves facing the difficult decision of whether to leave the workforce to care for aging parents. The demands of eldercare can pile up with little warning or predictability and quickly become overwhelming. The "easiest" solution for many women in this position may seem like stepping away from their professional lives altogether.However, leaving the workforce can have long-term, unseen consequencesfinancially, emotionally, and professionally. Before women make this decision, we want to bring to light to some of the costs of stepping away, as well as share options that are available to help women care for aging parents or loved ones without sacrificing their career.The elephant in the room - what about men?It's a systemic problem that the large majority of caregiving responsibilities fall on women. We believe fully this should not be the case - and will continue to advocate for a future where men and women are expected to share, and do share, these responsibilities more equally. That said, this article is going to focus on the impact of eldercare on women, and options available, because the data shows the women are the ones who are much more likely to pay the price of eldercare.Female caregivers are more likely than males to ask for a less demanding job, take unpaid leave, or give up work entirely to support caregivingWomen lose an estimated $325K over their lifetime due to caregivingThe Unseen Costs of Leaving the WorkforceWomen who exit the workforce early face immediate income loss, diminished retirement savings, and a reduction in Social Security benefits. AARP reports that caregivers can expect to spend an average of $7K annually on out-of-pocket expenses.Additionally, exiting the workforce comes with professional setbacks that may be hard to recover from. Studies show that women who take time off for caregiving often find it difficult to re-enter their fields, and when they do, they may face lower wages, fewer opportunities for advancement, or the need to start in less demanding roles.The Unseen Costs of "Daughterhood"A less recognized aspect of womens caregiving burden is eldercare (i.e. daughterhood), which is frequently overshadowed by the attention given to childcare (i.e. motherhood). While businesses have made strides in supporting working mothers, they have largely ignored the unique challenges posed by eldercare. The emotional and physical toll of eldercare, which often includes managing chronic illnesses, dementia, and end-of-life care, cannot be underestimated.According to the Federal Reserve, four times as many people have left the workforce due to adult caregiving compared to childcare, yet corporate policies and benefits packages rarely address these realities.Why You Shouldn't Quit: There Are OptionsBalancing work, children, aging parents, mental and physical health, a "clean" home, and the semblance of a social life - it's simply not sustainable. It would make Superwoman run for the exit. It's no wonder that women leave their jobs in order to quickly take something off their plate. But before putting in your notice, let's talk about resources and options that may be available.Workplace Benefits: Find out what your company offers. Some offer paid caregiver leave, flexible work schedules, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that provide counseling and eldercare resources.Even if your employer is moving away from remote work post-pandemic, you can advocate for more flexibility, such as flexible hours or a partial work-from-home arrangement.According to experts, a flexible workplace arrangement is often the most important factor for caregivers trying to juggle their professional and personal lives.External Support Systems: there are local and national organizations that can provide assistance. Naborforce is one of these organizations - our founder Paige Wilson lived all of the stark truths discussed in this article, and that is why she decided to do something about it! And if Naborforce isn't in your area or isn't an option for you - there are other resources to check out: care.com, Bright Horizons, home care agencies, caregiving forums, etc.Note: Naborforce partners with employers to provide discounted hourly rates. If your employer doesn't have Naborforce as an option, reach out to us and we will see if there is an opportunity to collaborate!Talk to your people: Many organizations are beginning to create employee resource groups for caregivers, offering a safe space to share experiences and tips for managing eldercare. These groups can be a lifeline for employees who feel isolated in their caregiving roles.Making Eldercare an Employee BenefitEmployers play a crucial role in supporting women who are caregivers. Unfortunately, 79% of caregivers do not have access to benefits that support them in this role.Supporting working women is not just about helping parents; its about addressing the needs of adult daughters (and sons) who are balancing caregiving with their professional lives. As 10,000 people turn 65 every day in the U.S., this challenge is only going to grow. Employers must adapt to this reality if they want to retain top female talent.The Bottom Line: You Have OptionsWhile caregiving can feel like an all-consuming role, women should not have to choose between their careers and their families. By tapping into workplace benefits, seeking flexible arrangements, and exploring external resources, women can navigate the challenges of eldercare without sacrificing their professional futures.

Bladder health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being that often goes overlooked. The bladder, a hollow organ located in the lower abdomen, plays a vital role in storing and eliminating urine from the body. As we age, the bladder undergoes changes that can affect its function and capacity. However, there are numerous steps we can take to maintain and improve bladder health throughout our lives.Understanding Bladder FunctionThe bladder stores urine produced by the kidneys, which contains waste products and excess fluids from the body. On average, adults pass about 1.5 quarts of urine daily. As we age, the bladder's elastic tissue may become less flexible, reducing its capacity and potentially leading to more frequent urination. Additionally, weakened bladder wall and pelvic floor muscles can make it harder to empty the bladder completely and may cause urine leakage.15 Steps to Improve Bladder HealthRegular Urination: Use the bathroom every 3-4 hours to prevent holding urine for too long, which can weaken bladder muscles and increase infection risk.Proper Positioning: Relax while urinating to facilitate complete bladder emptying. Women should sit on the toilet seat rather than hovering.Complete Emptying: Take sufficient time to fully empty the bladder, reducing the risk of urinary tract infections.Proper Wiping Technique: Women should wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from entering the urethra.Post-Sex Urination: Both men and women should urinate shortly after sexual activity to flush out potential bacteria.Pelvic Floor Exercises: Regularly perform Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, improving bladder control and reducing leakage.Appropriate Clothing: Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes to keep the urethral area dry and discourage bacterial growth.Regular Exercise: Engage in physical activity to prevent bladder problems and maintain a healthy weight.Weight Management: Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the pelvic floor and bladder.Diet Awareness: Identify and avoid foods that may irritate your bladder, such as spicy foods, citrus fruits, and artificial sweeteners.Hydration: Drink adequate fluids, especially water, to maintain proper bladder function. Aim to urinate every few hours.Limit Irritants: Reduce consumption of alcohol and caffeine, which can irritate the bladder and increase urinary frequency.Prevent Constipation: Maintain regular bowel movements through a high-fiber diet and adequate hydration to prevent pressure on the bladder.Quit Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of bladder problems and bladder cancer. Quitting can significantly improve bladder health.Medication Awareness: Be aware of medications that may affect bladder function and discuss concerns with your healthcare provider.Recognizing Bladder ProblemsCommon bladder issues include urinary tract infections, incontinence, and urinary retention. Signs of potential bladder problems include:Inability to hold urine or urine leakageIncreased urinary frequency or urgencyCloudy or bloody urinePain or burning during urinationDifficulty starting urination or weak urine streamIncomplete bladder emptyingIf you experience any of these symptoms, consult your healthcare provider promptly.Treatment OptionsTreatment for bladder problems may involve a combination of approaches:Lifestyle and behavioral changesPelvic floor exercisesMedicationsSurgical interventionsYour healthcare provider can recommend the most appropriate treatment plan based on your specific condition and needs.Maintaining bladder health is essential for overall well-being and quality of life. By implementing these 15 steps and being aware of potential bladder issues, you can take proactive measures to keep your bladder functioning optimally. Remember, if you experience persistent bladder problems, don't hesitate to seek medical advice. With proper care and attention, you can support your bladder health and enjoy a more comfortable, worry-free life.

As we age, our homes become more than just places to livethey transform into sanctuaries filled with cherished memories, comfort, and familiarity. But with age comes the inevitable challenge of maintaining a home that meets our evolving needs. For seniors, this can be a daunting task, often leading to feelings of overwhelm and stress. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we understand the importance of creating spaces that are not only safe and functional but also warm and welcoming. Our Senior Home Services are designed with one goal in mind: to ensure that your peace and comfort remain our top priority.Understanding the Unique Needs of SeniorsAging brings with it a host of changes, both physical and emotional. Mobility may become limited, vision may diminish, and the energy once available for everyday tasks may start to wane. These changes can turn a once-manageable home into a source of stress and anxiety. But it doesnt have to be this way.The first step in providing effective Senior Home Services is understanding the unique needs of each individual. We take the time to listen to our clients, learning about their daily routines, preferences, and challenges. This allows us to create customized solutions that cater to their specific requirements. Whether its reorganizing a kitchen to make frequently used items more accessible, or decluttering a living room to create safer walking paths, our goal is to enhance the quality of life for seniors by making their homes work for them.For many seniors, the thought of change can be unsettling, especially when it involves their home. We approach every project with empathy and patience, ensuring that our clients feel heard and respected throughout the process. By taking small, thoughtful steps, we help ease the transition, making sure that every adjustment feels like a natural enhancement rather than a disruptive change.Creating Spaces of Comfort and JoyOur approach to Senior Home Services goes beyond mere organizationits about transforming spaces into places of comfort and joy. We believe that a well-organized home can have a profound impact on a persons emotional well-being, and this is especially true for seniors.One of the key aspects of our service is decluttering, but we understand that this process can be emotionally challenging. Seniors often have strong attachments to their belongings, each item holding a memory or a story. Thats why we approach decluttering with a gentle touch, working closely with our clients to determine what truly matters to them. We help them find ways to keep their most treasured items while letting go of things that no longer serve them.Accessibility is another crucial element of our services. As mobility becomes more of a challenge, its essential that a home is arranged in a way that supports independence and safety. We focus on creating open spaces, removing tripping hazards, and ensuring that essential items are within easy reach. Simple changes, like adding grab bars in the bathroom or improving lighting in dim areas, can make a world of difference in a seniors ability to navigate their home with confidence.But our services dont stop at the practical aspectswe also pay close attention to the emotional ambiance of a home. We help our clients incorporate personal touches that bring them joy, whether its displaying family photos, organizing a collection of favorite books, or arranging furniture in a way that invites relaxation and connection. Our goal is to create an environment that not only meets physical needs but also nurtures the soul.At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we believe that every senior deserves to live in a home that brings them peace, comfort, and joy. Our Senior Home Services are designed to make this possible by offering compassionate, personalized support tailored to the unique needs of each client. We are committed to creating spaces that are not just functional, but also filled with love and warmth, ensuring that your home remains a true sanctuary in every sense of the word.Your peace is our priority, and we are here to help you achieve it. Whether youre looking to make small adjustments or need a complete home transformation, A Call to Order Professional Organizers is here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can create a home that meets your needs, honors your memories, and brings you the peace and comfort you deserve.