How To Help A Loved One Recover From Surgery At Home

Managing chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart disease can feel like an uphill battle. There are so many facets to address: dietary requirements, medications, medical appointments, and lifestyle changes, to name a few. There are steps you can take, however, to help someone you love better manage chronic health conditions at home. It begins with learning as much as possible about the persons diagnosis and what you can do to help overcome the associated challenges.You Dont Have to Do It Alone! The best strategy for effectively managing chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease at home is working with a care partner to ensure the persons needs are met without overwhelming or overburdening you. Referred care providers at American, Advocate, or Whitsyms In-Home Care are also here to help, with services such as preparing nutritious meals, providing transportation to medical appointments and tests, offering companionship and encouragement to stay physically active, and much more. Contact us today!If you, a family member or friend need a little extra care, and still want to live at home -- We can help with Home Health Care Services --Care Providers: Register and take an important step towards taking control of your career! Case opportunities include days, evenings, nights and extended care shifts. We register companions, Home Health Aides, Certified Nursing Assistants, Nurses and LPN's. https://www.americaninhomecare.com

Three Things You Must Do When Choosing A CaregiverSearching for a service to care for your aging parent or loved one can be an overwhelming and emotionally charged process. With numerous options available and often a sense of urgency to find help quickly, it's crucial to approach this decision methodically. Before diving into your research, here are three essential steps you must take when selecting a caregiver. These steps will help ensure you make an informed decision that provides the best possible care for your loved one.1. Ask The Right QuestionsPreparing a comprehensive list of interview questions is vital to getting to know potential caregivers and caregiving services. This process allows you to gather crucial information about their capabilities, experience, and approach to care. Focus your questions on three main areas: services provided, employee qualifications, and associated costs.Services ProvidedWhat specific services do you offer? (e.g., personal care, medication management, mobility assistance)Can you accommodate specialized care needs? (e.g., dementia care, post-surgery recovery)What is your policy on emergency situations?Do you provide 24/7 care if needed?Employee Qualifications and PoliciesHow long has your company been in business?Are your caregivers required to pass background checks? How extensive are these checks?What are the education and experience requirements for your employees?Do you offer ongoing training to your caregivers? If so, what kind?How do you handle caregiver substitutions or sick days?What is your process for matching caregivers with clients?Costs and BillingWhat is the cost structure for your services? (hourly rates, daily rates, package deals)Are there additional fees for weekends, holidays, or overnight care?How are your customers billed? What payment methods do you accept?Do you work with long-term care insurance or offer any financial assistance programs?Performance MetricsWhat are your hospital re-admission rates after rehabilitation?How do you measure client satisfaction?Can you provide references from current or past clients?By asking these detailed questions, you'll gain a clearer picture of each caregiving service's strengths and potential limitations. This information will be invaluable in making your final decision.2. Prioritize Effective CommunicationEffective communication is the cornerstone of quality care. It's essential to understand how the caregiving company will maintain open lines of communication with both your loved one's healthcare providers and you as the family member.Communication with Healthcare ProvidersHow does the caregiving service coordinate with doctors and other healthcare professionals?Is there a system in place for regular updates to the primary care physician?How are medication changes or new care instructions from doctors implemented?Communication with Family MembersWhat is the protocol for updating family members on the loved one's condition?How frequently can family members expect updates?Are there multiple channels for communication (e.g., phone, email, secure messaging app)?Is there a designated point of contact for family inquiries?Reporting on Physical and Emotional HealthHow do caregivers monitor and report on both physical and emotional well-being?Are there regular assessments of the client's overall health status?How are changes in condition, both positive and negative, communicated to family members?Emergency CommunicationWhat is the protocol for contacting family members in case of an emergency?How quickly can family members expect to be notified of significant changes?Ensure that the caregiving service has a robust system for keeping all parties informed about your loved one's physical and emotional health. This transparency not only provides peace of mind but also allows for quick adjustments to care plans when necessary.3. Read Ratings & ReviewsIn today's digital age, there's a wealth of information available about caregiving services. Take advantage of this by thoroughly researching ratings and reviews from various sources.Online Review PlatformsVisit reputable sites like Care.com, Yelp, and Google Reviews.Look for patterns in the feedback, both positive and negative.Pay attention to how the company responds to negative reviews this can provide insight into their customer service approach.Social MediaCheck the company's Facebook page and other social media profiles.Read comments and reviews left by clients and their families.Observe how the company interacts with its social media audience.Industry RatingsLook for ratings from industry organizations or local senior care associations.Check if the company has received any awards or recognitions for their services.Personal RecommendationsAsk friends, neighbors, and colleagues if they have experience with or have heard of the caregiving company.Reach out to local senior centers or support groups for recommendations.Consult with your loved one's healthcare providers for their professional opinions on local caregiving services.Conduct In-Depth ResearchLook beyond star ratings and read detailed reviews to understand specific experiences.Consider the recency of reviews, as services can change over time.Look for reviews that mention specific caregivers or services that align with your needs.By thoroughly investigating ratings and reviews from multiple sources, you'll gain a well-rounded perspective on each caregiving service's reputation and quality of care.Choosing a caregiver for your loved one is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. By asking the right questions, ensuring effective communication, and thoroughly researching ratings and reviews, you'll be well-equipped to make an informed choice. Remember, the goal is to find a caregiving service that not only meets your loved one's physical needs but also provides compassionate, personalized care that enhances their quality of life. Take your time with this process, and don't hesitate to trust your instincts the right caregiver will provide both you and your loved one with peace of mind and excellent care.

As we move through life, we accumulate objects that tell the story of who we are and the relationships weve cherished. For seniors, these items often hold even deeper meaningeach photo, letter, and memento carries with it a lifetime of memories. But over time, these treasured possessions can become overwhelming, taking up space and creating clutter. The challenge lies in finding ways to honor these memories while maintaining a home that feels organized, peaceful, and comfortable.At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we understand that decluttering is not just about making space; its about preserving the essence of what matters most. Our goal is to help you organize your most precious senior possessions with love and respect, creating a living environment that reflects your unique journey. In this blog, well explore how to thoughtfully organize keepsakes so that theyre both accessible and lovingly preserved for years to come.Curating Your Collection with CareWhen it comes to organizing treasured possessions, its important to approach the process with care and intention. Each item holds a memory, a connection, or a piece of history, so the goal is not to discard these items, but to thoughtfully curate a collection that truly represents your lifes most meaningful moments.Step 1: Begin with ReflectionBefore diving into the organization process, take some time to reflect on which items hold the most emotional value. Sorting through personal belongings can be a deeply emotional experience, so its essential to go at your own pace. Ask yourself: Which items make you smile when you see them? Which ones carry stories you want to share with loved ones? This initial reflection helps you identify the objects that deserve a place of honor in your home.Step 2: Categorize Your KeepsakesOnce youve selected your most precious items, its helpful to categorize them. Group similar items together, such as family photos, letters from loved ones, travel souvenirs, or heirlooms passed down through generations. This process allows you to see what you have and makes it easier to decide how to display or store them.At A Call to Order, we guide our clients through this process, helping them sort through their possessions with empathy and care. We understand that parting with certain items can be difficult, so we focus on keeping what truly matters while organizing in a way that feels manageable and comforting.Step 3: Display with PurposeFor many seniors, having their most meaningful items on display is a way to keep memories alive. Whether its a shadow box of family heirlooms, a curated photo wall, or a memory shelf filled with travel mementos, displaying items thoughtfully can bring daily joy. Consider rotating your collectionputting some keepsakes on display for a season, while safely storing others for future enjoyment. This way, your living space doesnt feel cluttered, but still reflects your lifes rich tapestry of memories.Safekeeping and Sharing Your LegacyAfter organizing your cherished possessions, its just as important to ensure their safekeeping and plan how to pass them along to future generations. Preserving your legacy can be a deeply fulfilling process, and A Call to Order can help you every step of the way.Step 1: Create a Safe Storage SystemFor items that are not on display, having an organized storage system is key to keeping them safe and accessible. Use labeled, archival-quality boxes to store fragile items like old photographs, letters, or documents. These containers are designed to protect against deterioration and ensure that your keepsakes stay in excellent condition. Be sure to label boxes or storage bins clearly so that you and your family can easily locate items when the time comes to reminisce or share memories.Step 2: Digitize Important MemoriesOne way to ensure the longevity of your precious possessions is by digitizing them. Old photos, important documents, and even handwritten letters can be scanned and saved digitally, providing peace of mind that these memories wont be lost to time. Digital copies can also be shared with family members, allowing everyone to enjoy them without the risk of losing the originals. A Call to Order can help you set up a digital archive, ensuring that your most important memories are preserved for generations to come.Step 3: Share Your Story with Loved OnesPerhaps the most rewarding aspect of organizing your treasured keepsakes is the opportunity to share your lifes journey with family and friends. Consider creating memory albums or scrapbooks for each child or grandchild, filled with photos and personal stories that reflect your time together. Not only does this preserve your legacy, but it also strengthens bonds and creates a meaningful connection between generations.Additionally, passing along family heirlooms or special possessions can be a beautiful way to keep your legacy alive. If there are items youve always intended to pass down, take the time now to write a note about the history and significance of each one. These notes add an extra layer of meaning to the heirloom, ensuring that the story behind the object is never forgotten.At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we know that organizing your most precious senior possessions is about more than declutteringits about honoring your past, preserving your legacy, and creating a space that reflects the love and memories youve gathered over the years. With thoughtful care and personalized guidance, we help seniors curate, protect, and share their treasured keepsakes, ensuring that the essence of their lives is preserved for generations to come.Whether youre looking to display your favorite memories, create a safe storage system, or pass along cherished heirlooms to loved ones, A Call to Order is here to support you in every step of the journey. Let us help you turn your collection of treasures into a beautifully organized legacy that will be treasured by generations to come.