Mastering Change: Senior Organizing Tailored to You

The Role of a Geriatric Care ManagerThe share of the United States population over the age of 65 has risen to 16%, and it is expected to climb further to 23% by 2060. People are living longer, and that means that people also have more specialized health care needs.Aging life care calls for a different kind of attention, as various conditions and syndromes begin to present themselves. Depending on which conditions those are, the situation can get complicated pretty quickly. In some cases, it might be worthwhile to consider hiring a geriatric care manager.As we and our loved ones age, we usually end up needing support from the people around us to make sure our needs are met. Family members in particular tend to shoulder this responsibility. But there are many reasons that might make it difficult to have a good support network in place. The most common reason is that family caregivers simply live too far away to provide reliable senior care management.In this context, geriatric care managers can be thought of as "professional relatives." If a family member is not able to provide long term care, geriatric care managers can help provide any and all services related to elder care. They are usually licenced nurses or social workers who are trained in aging life care, and they organize care plans and advocate for their patients needs.If you hire a geriatric care manager, you will be able to count on them to navigate the complexities of the health care system. It can also be helpful to have someone who can make decisions from a neutral point of view, as family caregivers sometimes have to make difficult decisions that are deeply personal.The primary responsibilities of a geriatric care manager are:Coordinating elder care between multiple service providersDeveloping both short and long term care plansHelping manage emotional concerns, stress, and anxietiesHelping manage transitional careHiring additional caregivers as necessaryMake home visits and evaluate living conditionsOngoing assessment of aging life care needsAll of this helps take the pressure off family members and ensures that geriatric care management is always under control.When to Seek Support With an Aging Life Care ExpertThere are many cases in which families are perfectly capable of managing aging life care for someone they love. But it can be challenging to know when you might be taking on more than you can reasonably expect to handle. As discussed above, one of the most obvious challenges is that family members do not live near the person who needs their care. But other complications are not as straightforward.You should consider hiring a geriatric care manager when:You need help with a complex issue. Lots of medical conditions can lead to the kinds of behaviors that should really be handled by aging life care professionals. Issues related to dementia, verbal abuse, or physical violence are among these.Your loved one will not talk to you about their health. Whether it is out of concern for privacy, a soured relationship, or an inability to describe what they are experiencing, older adults sometimes do not let relatives help them. A geriatric care manager gives them someone they feel comfortable talking to about their health. You are having trouble communicating with service providers. Geriatric care managers have a better understanding of where other aging life care professionals are coming from, so if you have run into a wall in negotiations or are not able to get the information you are looking for, your care manager is in a position to communicate more effectively.You do not know what to do. Caring for a loved one can be complicated for reasons beyond their health. We always want the best for them, but sometimes there are multiple pathways and it is not clear which one will be best. Geriatric care managers can provide their objective point of view to help your loved one receive the senior care that is right for themFinding Geriatric Care ManagersA geriatric care manager does not have to hold a state level license. But because many of them come from fields in health care, they elect to maintain their credentials. Care managers who come from social work often have to have active licensure in order to practice in their state.So on the one hand, a lack of certification or licensure is not necessarily a deal breaker. On the other hand, it is important that they can demonstrate their experience as aging life care professionals. If you are hiring a geriatric care manager, be sure to ask about the following:Do they have direct experience with managing issues specific to your loved one? This is especially important to cover in cases of severe injury or cognitive decline.Do they have experience with crisis care management? If your loved one is prone to seizures or is at high risk for falls or heart attacks, aging life care professionals need to know how to handle this type of emergency situation. Also ask them if they are available to respond around the clock, or if they have set hours.How will they communicate information to you? It might seem like a tedious question, but being on the same page about communication methods and styles can save everyone a lot of frustration and confusion.Can they provide references? It can be hard to really understand who you are working with based on their resume alone. Talking to people who know them well is a good way to corroborate your first impressions.How are their costs and fees structured? Senior care can be expensive it is typically not covered under Medicare or most other insurance plans so it is important to understand how much things will cost up front. Geriatric care managers charge by the hour, typically within a range of $75200 per hour.When families turn to aging life care professionals for care management services, they need to know as much as possible about the roles and responsibilities of the people they are bringing into the fold. Geriatric care managers help families navigate the complexities of elder care and relieve them of the stress and anxiety that so often comes along with it. They are experienced in working with a variety of national and local resources, care providers, and care services to ensure the highest quality of life possible.Give me a call for a FREE 20 minute consultation at 714-403-7040. source: Keystone Health, 2024. https://keystone.health/geriatric-care-manager-role-responsibilities#table-of-contents

As we grow older, our needs and priorities evolve, often making our living spaces feel less suitable than they once were. For seniors, the comfort of home becomes even more essential, yet the task of organizing and maintaining a home can become overwhelming. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we understand the emotional and physical challenges that seniors face. Our mission is to provide compassionate, expert assistance to help seniors feel at home, wherever they choose to live. Through our personalized services, we strive to create spaces that are not only organized but also nurturing and comfortable.Understanding Seniors' Needs1. Emotional Attachment to BelongingsFor many seniors, their homes are filled with a lifetime of memories and cherished belongings. Each item tells a story and holds sentimental value. The thought of sorting through these possessions can be daunting and emotionally taxing.Tips for Respectful Decluttering:Listen with Empathy: Take the time to listen to the stories behind the items. This shows respect for their memories and makes the process less about discarding and more about cherishing.Gentle Guidance: Encourage seniors to keep items that bring joy and consider donating or gifting those that don't. Highlight the positive impact of giving items a new life.Memory Preservation: Offer creative solutions to preserve memories, such as creating photo albums or digital archives of beloved items that can't be kept.2. Safety and AccessibilityAs mobility becomes a concern, its crucial to ensure that a seniors living space is safe and easily accessible. Organizing with a focus on safety can prevent accidents and make daily tasks more manageable.Strategies for a Safe Home:Clear Pathways: Ensure that hallways and living areas are free from clutter to reduce the risk of falls.Accessible Storage: Place frequently used items within easy reach to minimize the need for bending or stretching.Adaptive Solutions: Incorporate adaptive equipment and furniture arrangements that cater to mobility issues, such as grab bars in the bathroom and stable seating options.Creating a Sense of Home1. Personalized SpacesA home should reflect the personality and preferences of its inhabitants. For seniors, maintaining a sense of identity through their living environment is vital for emotional well-being.Personalization Tips:Favorite Items: Make sure that favorite belongings, like a beloved armchair or treasured photographs, are prominently displayed and easily accessible.Comfort Zones: Create cozy areas where seniors can relax, read, or engage in hobbies. A well-placed chair by a window, a dedicated crafting table, or a garden nook can enhance their quality of life.Warm Aesthetics: Use colors, textures, and decorations that evoke warmth and comfort. Familiar and favorite colors can make a space feel more inviting and homely.2. Encouraging IndependenceHelping seniors maintain their independence is crucial for their self-esteem and happiness. An organized home can empower them to perform daily tasks more efficiently and confidently.Empowering Through Organization:Logical Layouts: Arrange items in a logical order that matches their routines. For example, keep kitchen utensils near the stove and daily medications by the bedside.Simplify Systems: Implement simple organizational systems that are easy to maintain. Clear labels, color-coded bins, and straightforward filing systems can reduce confusion and make upkeep manageable.Regular Check-ins: Offer ongoing support to adjust the organization as needs change. Regular visits can help keep the home functional and address any new challenges that arise.At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, our commitment goes beyond mere organization. We aim to create environments where seniors feel safe, comfortable, and truly at home. By understanding their unique needs and providing compassionate, personalized support, we help transform living spaces into nurturing havens. Our approach ensures that every senior we assist not only enjoys an organized home but also experiences an enhanced quality of life filled with joy, dignity, and independence. If you or a loved one is facing the challenges of aging in place, we are here to help you feel at home, every step of the way.

As we journey through life, the concept of home transforms. For seniors, a home isn't just a place; its a treasure trove of memories, comfort, and love. Yet, as time passes, maintaining a home can become overwhelming. Clutter accumulates, and cherished belongings can start to feel burdensome. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we understand the emotional significance of a well-organized home. Our mission is to help seniors transform their houses into serene sanctuaries filled with love and order.Understanding the Emotional Impact of ClutterClutter doesn't just take up physical space; it occupies mental and emotional space too. For seniors, every item often holds a story or memory, making it difficult to let go. However, too much clutter can lead to stress, anxiety, and even safety hazards.The Weight of MemoriesEach item in a seniors home can be a trigger for a fond memory or a significant life event. While these memories are precious, the physical accumulation of items can create a cluttered and chaotic environment. This clutter can make everyday tasks challenging and diminish the sense of peace in the home. Our approach at A Call to Order is to handle these possessions with the utmost respect and care, ensuring that memories are preserved while creating a more manageable living space.Embracing Change with CompassionChange can be daunting, especially for seniors who may have lived in their homes for decades. The thought of parting with belongings can evoke feelings of loss. Our team is trained to provide compassionate support, helping seniors make decisions that honor their past while embracing the future. We encourage keeping items that truly bring joy and serve a purpose, and we help find meaningful ways to repurpose or donate the rest.Steps to Transform a House into a Loving HomeOrganizing a seniors home is about more than just tidying up; its about creating a space that nurtures well-being and happiness. Here are some steps we follow to achieve this transformation:1. Initial Consultation and PlanningEvery senior's situation is unique, and so are their needs. We begin with a thorough consultation to understand their lifestyle, preferences, and the challenges they face. This allows us to create a personalized plan that addresses their specific needs and goals.2. Sorting and DeclutteringThe sorting process is handled with sensitivity and patience. We work closely with seniors to identify items that hold sentimental value and those that can be let go. This step is crucial in creating a more open and navigable living space. For items that are no longer needed, we provide options for donation or repurposing, ensuring they find a new home where they can continue to bring joy.3. Organizing and Creating Functional SpacesOnce the decluttering is complete, we focus on organizing the remaining items in a way that enhances accessibility and functionality. This might include rearranging furniture, creating dedicated zones for activities, and ensuring that frequently used items are within easy reach. Our goal is to create a home environment that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing.4. Personalized Touches and Memory PreservationIncorporating personal touches is key to making a house feel like home. We help seniors display cherished photographs, heirlooms, and mementos in a way that celebrates their life journey. This not only adds warmth to the home but also provides a daily source of joy and comfort.Maintaining the Love and OrderCreating an organized home is just the beginning. Maintaining this newfound order requires ongoing support and simple strategies. Here are some tips for seniors and their families:1. Regular Check-ins and AdjustmentsLife is dynamic, and needs can change over time. Regular check-ins and adjustments to the home environment ensure it continues to meet the seniors needs. This might involve seasonal decluttering, rearranging furniture for accessibility, or updating organizational systems.2. Encouraging Mindful LivingEncouraging seniors to adopt a mindful approach to their belongings can help prevent future clutter. This means being intentional about what comes into the home and regularly reassessing what is no longer needed.3. Utilizing Support NetworksFamily members, friends, and professional organizers can provide invaluable support in maintaining an organized home. Regular visits and assistance with chores can help seniors feel less overwhelmed and more connected.At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, our work goes beyond organizing spaces; its about enriching lives. We believe that every senior deserves a home filled with love, peace, and order. By transforming cluttered houses into serene sanctuaries, we help seniors rediscover the joy of living in a space that truly feels like home. With compassion, patience, and personalized care, we are here to support every step of this meaningful journey.