Letting Go of Clutter: Why Many Seniors Struggle

Author

AMADA SENIOR CARE PITTSBURGH NORTHWEST

For more information about the author, click to view their website: www.AmadaPittsburghNW.com

Posted on

Oct 31, 2024

Book/Edition

Pennsylvania - Greater Pittsburgh Area

Bring up the topic of decluttering in a conversation with older adults and you’ll get a variety of responses. For some, getting rid of things is easy; they may even respond with something like “I love throwing things away!” On the other hand, you have people who can’t seem to throw anything away. You can actually see them shift into a state of panic at the thought of discarding their belongings. The majority fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, being able to confidently identify what is clearly trash, yet feeling certain about items they’re compelled to keep.

Why Is It So Hard to Let Go?

Clutter is common in the lives of so many. There is only one factor that makes the clutter of an older adult unique: time. The older you are, the longer you’ve had to accumulate things. As time passes, you attach meaning to those things which provoke certain emotions and these feelings may develop into a physical form of nostalgia. Many items can impact us emotionally, something renowned organizing and decluttering expert Marie Kondo calls “objects that speak to the heart.” These evoke a flood of memories and sentiment, something that provides even more significance and comfort as we age.

Though it may be hard to discard possessions, holding onto too much—especially as a senior with increasing needs for a safe environment—can have dangerous results. What we accumulate can present challenges throughout the living environment. Clutter resulting from stacks of mail, paperwork, packages, books, magazines, holiday décor, knickknacks, mementos, and more on and around surfaces and furniture can also contribute to feelings of confusion and overwhelm, increasing cortisol (the stress hormone) levels. Studies show clutter can also contribute to increasing dissatisfaction with life. Overall, these issues are something an older adult—possibly with increasing cognitive issues—needs less, not more, of.

Risks of Clutter and Life-Threatening Injuries

Statistics tell us that each year, 36 million Americans, or one in four adults over age 65, experience a fall. That number climbs every five years. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths for people over age 65.

Increased risk of falling

While some falls are caused by physical decline, including balance and mobility issues, clutter in one’s surroundings can raise the odds of an accident no matter what the senior’s condition. It can present hazards to navigate, resulting in tripping and breaking a leg, arm, hip, neck, ribs, requiring stitches, sustaining head trauma, or suffering internal injuries.

Confusion over medications

Cluttered medicine cabinets can be life-threatening for seniors. Decluttering your medicine cabinet is critical, especially for those with decreased vision. If a medicine cabinet is disorganized, it can be easy to confuse medicines one’s life is dependent on. Throw away expired medications and keep them organized to reduce confusion.

Limited mobility

Excess furniture can lead to many challenges for seniors with limited mobility. Not only can they have more trouble getting around on a daily basis, but this trouble can be serious if disaster strikes and they can’t get through certain spaces.

If doorways are blocked, or even partially blocked, first responders may have trouble entering the premises or getting into specific rooms. Also, if caregivers are working in the home, it’s especially important that they have a safe, adequate berth in which to maneuver and support the client. With challenges mounting as seniors age, the last thing a caregiver needs to worry about is steering a client around piles of personal belongings or oversized furniture too big for a space, or pieces of furniture placed too close together, or improperly stored equipment including walkers, wheelchairs, oxygen concentrators, shower chairs, and more.

Health Benefits of Decluttering

The benefits of having an organized space extend far beyond general safety conditions. Mental health experts and geriatric social workers concur that aging seniors with less clutter in their everyday lives enjoy many health benefits.

Improved concentration

One of the most noticeable differences you may experience after you declutter your living area is an improvement in your ability to concentrate. Although you may not realize it, the items in your space are constantly competing for your attention. When you are in a cluttered environment, you are essentially forcing your brain to multitask by giving it extra stimuli to filter through as you try to focus on your task at hand. As soon as you declutter your space, you will likely notice an immediate boost in your productivity.

Better sleep

Many older adults experience a surge in sleep disturbances as they age.

Another great reason for seniors to declutter their space is that it can positively impact the quantity and quality of their sleep. You are probably familiar with the feeling you have when you get into your bed after you just cleaned your room. You feel noticeably more relaxed and ready for bed than the previous days.

Interestingly enough, those with more clutter have been shown to have more difficulty not only falling asleep but also staying asleep. Those with clutter often have more sleep disturbances.

Reduced stress

Another good reason to get rid of your clutter is to reduce your overall level of stress. Many studies have shown a negative correlation between those who keep their homes clutter-free and those who reside in well-organized homes. There are many reasons for this.

As mentioned, having many items in your space places additional work on your brain as you force it to constantly work at filtering out irrelevant information so you can focus on what’s important.

There has been a study conducted that identified a relationship between homeowners and their density of household objects. They found that the higher the density of household objects, the higher their levels of cortisol tested – thus indicating higher stress levels.

Improved positivity

Walking into a room where there is a lot of clutter can do more than add to your stress, it can also cause you to feel like you don’t have your life together.

If you think about it, looking at a pile of papers can easily remind you of all the things you haven’t completed yet, directing your attention away from everything you have accomplished. You know the phrase, “out of sight out of mind.” Well, that is certainly the case with a pile of papers, along with all other clutter.

Using The Four Box Method for Decluttering

One of the simplest strategies for decluttering your home is one referred to as ‘the four box method.’ This method works great because it forces you to make decisions about everything you own.

To use this method, you are simply going to take four boxes (trash bags can work too) and label them as one of the following.

  • Keep/put away
  • Donate/sell
  • Toss
  • Storage

One room at a time, you will use these boxes to help you categorize your belongings.

For example, let’s say you have made the decision to organize your home. And let’s say you decided to start in your living room. You figure this is not only where you spend most of your waking hours, but it is also where you entertain your guests.

When you are ready to begin, you will bring your four labeled boxes into the living room. You will then go through each item in the room and make a decision as to whether you need to keep it, donate it, throw it away, or store it.

The Keep/Put Away Box

The keep/put away box is designated for items you want to keep. Ideally, this should be the smallest box. If the item you want to keep belongs in the room you are working with, you are going immediately put it away. If the item you want to keep belongs in another room, you are going to place it in the box. This is going to help ensure you have enough space for all the items you want to keep.

For example, there might be piles of magazines and miscellaneous papers on the table in your living room. In this case, you might want to sort through the pile. You may decide to keep the current magazines on the table and place the important papers in the keep box to be filed away. Any papers deemed unimportant can be placed in the trash box.

The Donate/Sell Box

The donate/sell box is going to be designated for items you want to donate or sell. These items should be in good condition. Ideally, they should be items you no longer find valuable but that may be valuable for someone else.

You might have furniture in your living room taking up space. You might want to consider selling or donating it. You can even give it to someone in your family who would make better use of it.

Also, take a look at unnecessary “knick-knacks.”

The Toss Box

The toss box is for items you decide to throw away. This should be anything you don’t want any more that is unworthy of selling or donating. Think about damaged items or broken items you intended to fix but never got around to.

The Storage Box

Refrain from thinking of storage as a place for items you don’t know what to do with, but think of it as items you don’t currently need.

Seasonal items are a great example. Think about seasonal decor or holiday-specific decorations. These are items you don’t need out at all times, only during the particular season or holiday time. Place the out of season items in the storage box.

Clothing may be another item you may want to store. If you live in a seasonal area, you will have little to no use for a winter coat in the summer. This would be something you want to keep for the cooler months, but you don’t need to have it handy in the summer. Place it in your seasonal box.

It’s Okay to Ask for Help

At the end of the day, decluttering should be about letting go of the things you have weighing you down for the benefit of your quality of life. Mental health experts confirm, explaining that the process can result in feelings of accomplishment and control for seniors who are aging at home. In short, decluttering has a positive impact on so many levels.

Frequently, the most difficult step is simply to start and that being the case, it’s okay to ask for help. Check with your county aging services department or community senior resource center on the availability of decluttering services. If you’d like to learn more about how a trained caregiver can support a senior loved one to live safely at home, feel free to contact one of our friendly and resourceful Amada Senior Care advisors. Click here to find an Amada Senior Care location near you.

Other Articles You May Like

Six Morning Exercises for Seniors

We all know that exercise is important for our bodies to stay healthy and happy, especially as we age. However, finding a good exercise routine that is gentle enough for seniors, but keeps your body healthy and moving, can be a real challenge. Below are six morning exercises for seniors that are easy to mix into your morning routine. Regular exercise and stretching can improve range of motion, stability, and all around mental health.Why Exercise For Older Adults is ImportantExercising helps to slow the progression of many diseases and can even slow the aging process. Studies have shown that older adults, those age 55+, who have been active for most of their lives actually have the similar aerobic fitness of people 30 years younger than them.For older adults who have not been able to stay active their whole life, its not too late to start.  Starting now will help not just in the long-term, but there are also plenty of short-term benefits to exercises for seniors.Exercise is essential in managing many long-term health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, or back or joint pain. For example, exercise can help improve high blood pressure and can lower your risk of heart disease progression.Daily Exercises for SeniorsThis exercise routine is meant to be versatile and flexible. Do the exercises that feel the best for you and your unique needs. As you make the routine your own, be sure to start slowly and stop if there is any bad pain.Make sure you have a clear space with plenty of room to move your arms and legs. A chair, water bottle, and towel may also be helpful to have close to you.Also, always start with some nice stretches to get you going.Sit to StandThe sit-to-stand exercise is among one of the best exercises for seniors. It strengthens your lower body and can improve general mobility, and helps make standing up from a chair easier. Eventually, as your strength improves, the goal is to do the sit-to-stand exercise without using your hands.It is normal to feel mild stretching, pulling, tightness, or discomfort as you do this exercise, but you should stop right away if you feel pain.How to do the exercise: Sit on a sturdy chair. Your knees should be bent and your feet should be flat on the floor and shoulder-width apart. Place your hands lightly on each side of the seat. Keep your back and neck as straight as possible, with your chest slightly forward. Breathe in slowly. Lean forward and slightly shift your weight to the front of your feet. Breathe out as you slowly stand up. Try to use as little support from your hands as possible. Stand and pause for a full breath in and out. Breathe in as you sit down slowly. Tighten your core and abdominal muscles to control your lowering as much as possible. Breathe out slowly. Rest for 1 minute, then do another set of 5-8 repetitions. Repeat for a total of 3 sets if comfortable. Knee ExtensionsKnee extension exercises are used to strengthen thigh muscles. These are big muscles in our body and improving thigh muscle strength can improve mobility, reduce knee injury risk, and rehabilitate knee injuries.How to do the exercise: Sitting up tall with your shoulders back and down. Lifting one leg up, extending at the knee. Hold briefly at the top of the movement, squeezing the muscles at the front of the thigh before lowering your leg back down. Ensure the movement is slow and controlled. Alternate legs, ensuring full knee extension (leg completely straight). Rest for 1 minute, then do another set of 5-8 repetitions. Repeat for a total of 3 sets if comfortable. Core twistsCores twists are a fantastic exercise that not only improve the strength of your trunk muscles, including back and ad muscle, but they also help with twisting mobility.How to do the exercise: Grab a medicine ball (or similar object). Sit comfortably in the chair toward the edge of the seat for extra room. Keep the core (abs and lumbar) tight. Stick the chest out. Both hands should be in front of the body gripping the sides of the medicine ball, with elbows bent. Lift the ball a couple inches off the lap then rotate the upper body to the right, keeping the ball in front of the body. Rotate to the middle of the body then rotate to the left, finish by rotating back to the middle. Each rep is one full rotation. Rest for 1 minute, then do another set of 5-8 repetitions. Repeat for a total of 3 sets if comfortable. Seated Shoulder PressThis exercise will help to increase strength and mobility of the shoulders. Please be cautious with this exercise if you have any shoulder contraindications, and/or consult with your physician.How to do this exercise: Choose a pair of low weight dumbbells or do without weights. Sit comfortably in the chair with the hips as far back as possible. Ensure that the back is firm to the backrest of the chair. Keep your core tight. Start with both elbows spread to the sides of the body and align them under the shoulders. Stick the chest out. Face the body straight, palms forward, gripping the dumbbells. Extend the arms up, reaching above the head until theyre fully extended (or get to a range that feels most comfortable). Dont touch the hands together and keep both arms parallel to each other. Once the arms extension limit has been reached, slowly bring the hands down to the starting position, keeping the elbows spread. Dont tuck the elbows toward the middle of the body, extend them out till the top of the back feels a pinching sensation (not hurting) at the shoulder blades. Seated Knee LiftsKnee lifts exercise and strengthen the hip flexors, and quads. Each is an important muscle for sitting and standing.How to do the exercise: Sit on a sturdy chair, keeping the back straight and holding the sides for support if needed. Avoid leaning back. Slowly lift the right knee slowly towards your chest, then back to the beginning position with control. Repeat the motion using the left leg. Alternate the legs. Remember to keep your back straight and avoid leaning back to gain new heights. Seated Chest PressThe seated chest press will exercise your chest muscles, shoulders, and triceps.How to do the exercise:This exercise can be done with a resistance band, dumbells or with no weight all. Choose the option that best meets your fitness level. Place the resistance band/weights/or empty fists at a point on the chair where its directly behind the back just under where the shoulder blades would be. Ensure that the resistance band isnt able to move on the back of the chair; moving it during the exercise can result in injury or target the wrong muscle groups. Sit comfortably in the chair with the hips as far back as possible. Ensure that the back is firm to the backrest of the chair. Keep the core muscles tight. Stick your chest out. Keep both palms down, elbows bent and parallel to the shoulders. Both hands should be positioned just outside of shoulder width. Push the resistance band forward until the arms are fully extended in front of the body (dont touch hands together). Slowly reverse the movement back to starting position. Some General TipsRemember, starting a new exercise routine will take some practice and getting used to. Dont get discouraged if you cant do an exercise or can only do a few repetitions.Here are few things that are normal when starting a new exercise regimen. Its normal to: feel tired when starting an exercise routine. have muscle soreness that lasts a few days. As you get stronger, you may not feel muscle soreness. Here are some tips that can help make your new exercise journey easier: Use smooth, steady movements. Do not hold your breath during strength exercises. This can cause unsafe changes in your blood pressure. Breathe in slowly through your nose, and breathe out slowly through your mouth. Most importantly, Always consult with a physician before beginning any exercise program.Keeping Seniors in Their Homes, Its What We Do.At Senior LIFE, we focus on taking care of the whole person so that they can maintain their independence for as long as possible.  We offer various types of therapy for members. Depending on members individual care plans, they may receive any or all of the therapies we offer. Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy Speech/Language Therapy Recreational Therapy We are committed to keeping members independent as long as possible. There are no limits on rehabilitation or the amount of therapy services a member can receive.Our care offerings dont stop at therapies.  We also offer all the medical and supportive services our members need. These services can include physicians and specialists, nursing care, physical, occupational and speech therapies, personal and home care, medications, meals and nutritional counseling, eye, dental and foot care, durable medical equipment and other medically necessary services.The LIFE Program is a Medicare and Medicaid approved long-term care program that provides complete medical care and supportive services for persons 55 years and older so that they can remain living in their home. The LIFE Program is an alternative to nursing and personal care homes. https://seniorlifepa.com/aboutTo learn more about the LIFE Program, or to see if its the right fit for you and your loved ones, contact us today! https://seniorlifepa.com/contact

National PACE Month 2023 Where You Belong

National PACE (Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) Month is an annual celebration in the United States that takes place in the month of September. This month-long event aims to raise awareness about the PACE program and the important role it plays in enhancing the lives of elderly individuals. Senior LIFE is a provider of the PACE program, called LIFE in Pennsylvania. The innovative model of care allows seniors with long-term care needs to remain living in their community for as long as possible, as independently as possible. More than 95 percent of PACE participants live outside of a nursing home.The COVID-19 public health emergency taught everyone the value of community and the feeling of belonging. Loneliness and isolation have long been been issues for our seniors. This year, during National PACE Month, we celebrate the connections and communities that LIFE/PACE organizations can foster. This years theme is PACE: Where you Belong.Understanding the PACE ProgramThe LIFE/PACE program is a comprehensive, community-based healthcare model for elderly adults who need long-term care services. It provides a range of medical and social services to seniors, helping them live independently in their own homes and communities. LIFE is designed to provide personalized and coordinated care that takes into account the unique needs of each individual.The Goals of National PACE MonthNational PACE Month serves several important goals: Raising Awareness: The month-long celebration aims to increase public awareness about the existence and benefits of the PACE program. Many seniors and their families may not be familiar with this valuable resource, and National PACE Month seeks to change that. Highlighting Success Stories: It provides an opportunity to showcase the success stories of PACE participants and the positive impact the program has on their lives. Sharing these stories helps inspire others to explore the possibilities offered by the PACE program. Advocacy and Education: National PACE Month also serves as a platform for advocacy, education, and information sharing. It encourages discussions and exchanges about best practices, innovations, and policies related to senior care and the PACE program. Getting InvolvedAnyone can get involved in National PACE Month and help promote its goals. Here are a few ways to participate: Spread the Word: Share information about the PACE program with friends, family, and your community. Use social media platforms to raise awareness and share success stories. Attend Events: Participate in local events, workshops, and webinars organized by PACE programs or community organizations. Learn more about the program and the services it offers. Volunteer: Consider volunteering at a PACE program or a local senior center. Your skills, time, and companionship can make a significant difference in the lives of seniors. Advocate: Contact your local representatives and policymakers to advocate for the expansion and enhancement of the PACE program. Support legislation that promotes access to comprehensive care for elderly individuals. Senior LIFE and National PACE MonthSenior LIFE will recognize PACE Month with a special week long celebration held at each of the LIFE Health and Wellness Center. The special week recognizes the efforts, volunteerism, and extraordinary talents of the Senior LIFE staff and members.This years event will be held September 5th September 8th at each of the LIFE Health and Wellness Centers.The annual week-long event will be filled with activities and events that will engage Senior LIFE with the local community. Past years have featured events such as scavenger hunts, wheel chair races, and carnival days.All activities will take part at the LIFE Health and Wellness Centers. At the center, members of the LIFE Program can see their Primary Care Physicians and participate in rehabilitation programs.LIFE is a team-based model of care based on the idea of effectively and efficiently treating patients with multiple chronic conditions outside of the hospital setting.  The LIFE Program takes a comprehensive approach to care management: providers, homecare coordinators, transportation drivers, nurses, social workers, physical and occupational therapists, dietitians, recreational therapists, and others, who evaluate LIFE members and develop an individualized plan of care. Medical and supportive service services are provided with the intention of putting preventive support in place that sets seniors up to remain living in their homes long term, all at no cost to seniors on Medicaid who live in the community.National PACE Month is an important opportunity to raise awareness about the PACE program and its impact on the lives of seniors. By coming together as a community, we can celebrate the successes, advocate for improvements, and ensure that the PACE program continues to provide exceptional care and support to our elderly population. Lets make National PACE Month 2023 a time of gratitude, recognition, and a catalyst for positive change in senior care. To find out more about the LIFE Program, or to see if you qualify for the program, please contact us today!

Boost Your Health with 500 Steps

As we age, staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle becomes increasingly important. One way to do this is by walking more. In fact, research suggests that taking just 500 extra steps per day can have a significant impact on senior health.Health Benefits of WalkingWalking is a low-impact form of exercise that can have numerous health benefits, especially for older adults. It can help improve cardiovascular health, strengthen bones and muscles, and reduce the risk of chronic conditions like osteoporosis, diabetes, and heart disease. In addition, walking can improve balance and reduce the risk of falls.The Benefits of 500 Extra StepsTaking just 500 extra steps per day may not seem like much, but it can have a significant impact on senior health. Research suggests that taking an extra 500 steps per day can lead to a decrease in the risk of developing chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. In addition, it can lead to improved mental health, better sleep, and increased energy levels.A study conducted by the American Heart Association found that for people ages 70 and older who walked an additional 500 steps per day, or an additional quarter mile of walking, experienced a 14% lower risk of heart disease, stroke or heart failure. Also, compared to adults who took less than 2,000 steps per day, adults who took about 4,500 steps per day had a 77% lower observed risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event.Strategies for Walking MoreTaking an extra 500 steps per day may sound like a daunting task, but there are many strategies that can help seniors achieve this goal. Here are a few tips: Take multiple short walks throughout the day: This can help add up to 500 extra steps without requiring a lot of time commitment. Use a pedometer or fitness tracker: Tracking steps can help seniors stay motivated and monitor their progress. Find a walking partner: Walking with a friend or family member can make it more enjoyable and provide social interaction. Set achievable goals: Start small and gradually increase the number of steps taken each day. Choose scenic routes: Walking in a park or nature trail can make it more enjoyable and provide additional health benefits. In conclusion, taking 500 extra steps per day can have a significant impact on senior health, and its an achievable goal for most people. Walking can help improve cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of chronic conditions, and improve mental health and overall well-being. By incorporating walking into their daily routine, seniors can help maintain their independence and enjoy a higher quality of life.Senior LIFE can help you with your goalsAt Senior LIFE, our goals align with the goals of many seniors to stay in the comfort of their homes, and out of a nursing home. We work with seniors and their caregivers to help seniors maintain independence by providing medical and supportive services including physician and nursing services, medication management, in-home care, and so more more! For a full list of services, please visit us online at: Senior LIFE ServicesSenior LIFE (Living Independence for the Elderly) is state and federally funded Medicare and Medicaid Program that provides long-term care for seniors, 55 years of age or older, so that they can remain living at home and out of a nursing facility.Senior LIFE Services are provided at NO COST to those on Medicaid who live in the community.To speak with a Senior LIFE representative about the program, and to learn if you or a family member may be eligible, please contact us via our website or email us at info@SeniorLIFEPA.com  

Local Services By This Author

Amada Senior Care Pittsburgh Northwest

Non-Medical 2611 Nicholson Road, Sewickley, Pennsylvania, 15143

Chad and Vicki Craig, owners of Amada Senior Care Pittsburgh Northwest, both share a lifelong passion for serving our senior population. Having spent the last 25 years of their professional careers in advanced healthcare technologies for older adults, they understand the importance of providing the highest quality care at home so that our loved ones can age in place safely and happily.For both Chad and Vicki, providing quality care to support senior independence at home isnt just a passion, but a calling. Their appreciation for and dedication to our cherished elder community began at a young age. As a child, Chad would often choose to visit residents of a senior facility neighboring his home over playing kickball outside with friends his own age. When his father, a WWII veteran and amputee, was transitioned to a memory care facility for dementia, Chad didnt know about the options available that could have allowed his father to spend his last days enjoying the comforts of his own home. I felt guilty after my dad passed because I was not aware that I could have brought him home where he could have been in a familiar place surrounded by family, Chad recalls.  Vicki experienced a very similar situation with her own grandmother, who declined quickly after she was moved from her own home to a care facility.Personalized Care for Seniors and Families in Pittsburgh NorthwestRecognizing that well-vetted, committed caregivers are a necessity to safely aging in place, Chad and Vicki felt compelled to start their own senior home care business.  Chad, Vicki and the entire Amada Senior Care team have devoted themselves to delivering the highest quality of compassionate elder care. Their extraordinary level of service is the reason why Amada Senior Care Pittsburgh Northwest has a reputation for providing in-home caregivers who exceed client expectations, along with the highest rating (A+) from the Home Care Standards Bureau, the industrys standard-bearer.Chad, Vicki and the rest of the Amada Pittsburgh Northwest team couldnt offer the exceptional quality care that they do without investing time and effort into pairing trained and knowledgeable Amada caregivers with senior clients to promote their well-being and health. Their process of offering excellent caregiving assistance includes regularly checking with their senior clients and families to ensure that individual care needs and preferences are being met. Chad, Vicki, and the Amada Pittsburgh Northwest team are just as diligent in offering expert financial advisory services to help seniors and their families navigate the complexities of Long-Term Care insurance (LTCi) policies and VA benefits.We invite you to contact us at Amada Senior Care Pittsburgh Northwest to learn more about how we can be of service to help your senior loved one age with dignity and respect, while giving your family the peace of mind they deserve. We exist to enrich seniors lives by helping them retain independent living for as long as possible, and our services include providing funding solutions on how to pay for in-home care. It is our pleasure and honor to serve.Specialized Care by Amada Pittsburgh NorthWestWhen senior loved ones need assistance to manage health conditions, our trained caregivers at Amada Pittsburgh NW can address their unique needsFamilies can feel confident that Amada Pittsburgh NW caregivers have the training and education necessary to provide the specialized care meeting the individual needs of seniors who are contending with health challenges. Is your senior loved one recovering from a stroke? Does your spouse or another family member suffer from Alzheimers or dementia? Is your family trying to help an aging loved one manage symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF), diabetes, Parkinsons or another chronic condition?Assisting Senior Patients Diagnosed with Alzheimers or Dementia According to the Alzheimers Association, nearly 6.5 million Americans were living with Alzheimers or another form of dementia as of 2022. A progressive disease that destroys memory and other key mental functions, Alzheimers and other forms of dementia impact not only the senior patient but the entire family, which is where Amada Pittsburgh NW comes in. Our team of dedicated and compassionate caregivers at Amada Senior Care Pittsburgh NW are highly skilled and trained in supporting activities of daily living (ADLs) and special pursuits and activities far and above the ordinary, thus bringing to our senior clients a sense of fulfillment and joy in their everyday lives. Supporting Senior Clients to Manage Symptoms of Parkinsons Disease There is still no cure for Parkinsons disease, a brain disorder characterized by shaking, stiffness, difficulty walking and talking, and balance and coordination issues. The symptoms of Parkinsons typically begin on a gradual basis worsen over time, so families can expect that a loved one diagnosed with the disease will need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) at some stage of this progressive disease. The professional caregivers at Amada Pittsburgh NW are trained and well-versed in how to assist seniors and other adults who are managing life with Parkinsons. Amada caregivers can help adapt the home environment, help monitor systems and communicate changes to the care team and family members, provide medication reminders, assist with prescribed exercises, and much more.     Dedicated Respite Care for Families When a Senior Loved One is in Hospice When a senior loved one begins the journey of hospice care, an increased level of care and responsibility naturally come along with the familys deepening concerns. Whats required of the family can be unrelenting and exhausting in ensuring their beloved elders last weeks and days are filled with comfort and dignity. Amadas expert, compassionate caregivers can provide a much-needed respite from the continuous care and extreme mental and emotional output that accompany the final passage. With emotions running high, family members often neglect their most basic needs including showering, eating and sleeping. The option to step away for a brea can provide family members with the opportunity to rest, refresh and regroupknowing their parent, grandparent or spouse is in excellent handsreturning better able to be fully present with their loved one. Call 724-318-6668 to speak with one of our senior care advisors and find out more about how we can help either you or a senior loved one. Click on the links below to learn more about how Amada caregivers can help senior clients manage symptoms of various disease states. Alzheimers and Dementia Congestive Heart Failure COPD Diabetes Hypertension Parkinsons Stroke Recovery