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/

Parkinsons disease affects nearly 1 million people in the United States, and according to the Parkinsons Foundation, doctors diagnose almost 60,000 people each year. April is Parkinsons Disease Awareness Month. Its the perfect time to learn about the condition and educate yourself on ways to help a loved one if they live with the disease. What is Parkinsons DiseaseParkinsons disease is a progressive condition affecting the nervous system. During the early stages of Parkinsons, individuals may not experience any symptoms other than mild tremors. As the disease develops, people may experience difficulty moving, muscle stiffness, speech complications, and impaired balance. Parkinsons disease can also cause involuntary movements such as blinking and twitching.Parkinsons develops when specific neurons in the brain that produce dopamine break down. Dopamine changes the brains activity level, and not enough dopamine can cause impaired movement and other Parkinsons disease symptoms. Research is still trying to determine what causes the neuron breakdown, but top risk factors include a genetic mutation and exposure to certain environmental toxins. Parkins is also more common to develop in people after 60 and those with a family history of the condition.Tips for Caring for a Loved One with ParkinsonsIf youre a family caregiver with a loved one who has Parkinsons disease, consider the following to help you provide the best possible care. Invest in gadgets and household items to make life easierParkinsons disease can make it challenging to complete daily tasks such as dressing and personal grooming. Help your loved one complete these tasks more efficiently with accessible items such as electric toothbrushes, Velcro apparel, shower benches, and easy-grip utensils. Also, make sure all of the things they use most often are stored somewhere with easy access, so they dont have to dig through drawers or climb a step stool.Dont let their condition discourage themParkinsons disease creates boundaries that may deter your loved one from participating in their favorite activities. Remain positive and help them build confidence in their abilities. You can also reach out to occupational and physical therapists to help manage their symptoms and offer to accompany them to sessions, so they feel more comfortable. Allow them to care for themselvesIts hard watching someone you love struggle with basic things such as dressing, walking, and eating. And while you may feel compelled to help them with everything, try to give them space to do things independently. People with Parkinsons can still do many things, so let your loved ones take their time and complete tasks. If you notice their frustration, approach them with empathy and ask if theyd like your help before providing your assistance. And of course, if they ask, dont be afraid to step in and help. Ask for helpCaring for an aging loved one is physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting. Its even more challenging to care for someone with a progressive condition like Parkinsons. If youre feeling overwhelmed as a family caregiver, dont hesitate to reach out for help. You can talk to family and friends to arrange a schedule, so no one person takes on too much work. Or you can consider hiring a part-time or temporary caregiver to assist with tasks such as laundry, personal grooming, or medication reminders. How Visiting Angels Can HelpIf youre caring for a senior loved one with Parkinsons and need assistance helping them at home, the team at Visiting Angels can help. Our passionate caregivers provide non-medical tasks such as light housekeeping, cooking, mobility assistance, transportation, medication reminders, personal grooming, and more. We also offer respite services to provide temporary relief for family caregivers who need to reset and recharge. Our Grand Junction office serves those in Mesa Country, Co. If youd like to learn more about our services, you can complete this online form or call us at 970.254.8888.