MOVING WITH PETS: ENSURING COMFORT AND SAFETY ON LONG DISTANCES

Alzheimers disease impacts the lives of seven million Americans who suffer from this disease, but millions more feel the effects as the disease steals the memories of a loved one. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 55 million individuals around the globe live with dementia; experts estimate that Alzheimers accounts for the majority of dementia cases (60 to 70 percent).As Alzheimers disease progresses, individuals lose the ability to manage everyday tasks, including crucial self-care (like getting dressed and eating independently). September 21 marks World Alzheimers Day, which seeks to increase awareness about the disease and its symptoms and fight the stigma linked to Alzheimers diagnosis.  Table of Contents:Dementia vs. Alzheimers DiseaseAlzheimers SymptomsEarly Signs of Alzheimers DiseaseStages of Alzheimers DiseaseWhat Is a Memory Care Facility?Signs Its Time For Memory CareCosts of Memory CareHow Senior Moves Helps Families of Alzheimers PatientsKey Takeaways:Alzheimers disease touches the lives of tens of millions of individuals across the world. World Alzheimers Day unites families as they strive to increase awareness, remove the stigma about this disease, and find the best care and support for their loved ones.Dementia Vs. Alzheimers DiseaseIndividuals diagnosed with Alzheimers disease have dementia as part of the disease progression. However, not all individuals with dementia are diagnosed with Alzheimers disease. Dementia, the loss of memory and judgment, is a symptom of numerous diseases and medical conditions. Race Against Dementia explains that dementia is also a symptom of Huntingtons disease, hydrocephalus, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. In addition, numerous types of dementia exist; Parkinsons disease dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and vascular dementia are independent diagnoses. However, Alzheimers disease accounts for the majority of dementia casesaround 70 to 80 percent!Alzheimers SymptomsOnly a doctor can properly diagnose Alzheimers disease. However, individuals should learn to understand and identify this disease's numerous warning signs and red flags. Early diagnosis ensures that patients may begin care and medication to help slow disease progression. Early Signs of Alzheimers DiseaseAge leads to common memory issues; misplacing car keys and retracing steps to find them is a common problem. Forgetting an occasional appointment also may be a common issue correlated to growing older. There are many red flags of Alzheimers disease or dementia that are not related to growing older, including:Forgetting conversations and asking the same questions repeatedlyGetting lost while going to a familiar location. Losing items and finding them in unusual places (a wallet may be in a kitchen cabinet)Struggling with basic problem solving (balancing a checkbook, making a familiar meal, etc.)Inability to track time (dressing for fall when its summer)Visual issues (struggling with depth perception)Communication struggles (forgetting a word is normal, but forgetting common objects is a red flag)Making poor judgements (dementia patients may give away possessions or make large donations without thinking of the impact)Disinterest in friends or social experiencesAnger, frustration, and other mood issuesThe Stages of Alzheimers DiseaseAlzheimers disease is progressive, and it is unfortunately fatal. According to the Alzheimers Association, the disease has three stages: early, middle, and late.The earliest stages of Alzheimers typically lead to subtle memory issues; at this point, family and friends may notice that their loved one struggles with memory issues. They may forget appointments or constantly ask the same questions. The early stage is when small red flags appear.Alzheimers middle stage leads to more serious memory concerns. The Alzheimers Association explains that patients may forget personal information, get lost in familiar areas, struggle with time, and their bladder or bowels may begin to fail as patients lose the ability to control these functions. Mood and personality also begin to change.The late stage of Alzheimers disease is the final and most severe stage. Communication may be difficult or impossible. Patients must receive 24/7 care, as they cannot eat or get dressed. Eventually, the disease overtakes the body, and eating and swallowing becomes impossible. The Alzheimers journey may endure for nearly two decades, from the beginning or early stages to the final stage of the disease. However, every patient is different.  What Is a Memory Care Facility?As an individual near the middle and late stages of Alzheimers, symptoms increase, and the ability to manage daily tasks becomes untenable. Alzheimers patients may wander, posing a risk to their safety. Judgment also wanes, and Alzheimers patients may jeopardize their financial wellbeing by making poor money management decisions.Eventually, Alzheimers patients require around-the-clock care and support. Family members may discover that they can no longer care for their parents or relatives and may begin to research future care and health management options.A memory care facility is a special residential facility that specializes in the unique care needs of dementia patients. Individuals receive 24/7 care and monitoring, with assistance for managing medications, safety, and support for activities of daily living (ADL) like getting dressed, bathing, going to the bathroom, eating, and mobility. Memory care facilities typically feature alarms at every exit that activates when a patient tries to leave.Signs Its Time for a Memory Care FacilityThe choice to move a parent or loved one into a memory care facility is very personal. How do you know its time for memory care? Many family members make the difficult decision to place their parent or family member in memory care when the individuals safety becomes compromised. While family members may provide care, dementia and Alzheimers disease gets worse over time. Individuals may start to leave their home and wander. They may make poor financial decisions or become openly hostile. As Alzheimers progresses, individuals need help with eating, bathing, and going to the bathroom. Family members may realize that they are unable to provide the level of care their loved one needs, and memory care becomes the bestand the safestoption. Costs of Memory CarePrivate insurance typically does not cover the cost of memory care facilities. However, some facilities could accept Medicaid. Dementia Care reports that memory care facilities cost around $54K annually (a national average). In some states, the cost could be higher or lower. Families may visit numerous facilities to find the best care for their parent or loved one. Prices may vary, but amenities also could be very different at each facility. How Senior Moves Helps Families of Alzheimers PatientsWhen the home is no longer safe and independence is no longer an option, families must begin to transition their loved ones to a residential care facility. Senior Moves works with families to make this transition easier for everyone. Our team helps families prepare a home for sale. Senior Moves works with family members to sort through every possession, labeling piles to keep, donate, or discard. Our team also organizes and cleans the home, staging it to appeal to the most buyers.Senior Moves helps with the move, too. We pack and unpack and arrange the new room to feel more like home. Our team also works with families to help ease the transition to a new space. Our team understands the difficulty of a dementia diagnosis. We walk family members through every step of the transition and help ease their minds (and hearts) as they prepare their parents (or loved ones) for a move to a memory care unit. Learn more about the services we offer, and reach out to our team to schedule a consultation. 

As we grow older, the value of time becomes clearer. Lifes most precious moments are often spent connecting with loved ones, enjoying favorite hobbies, or simply savoring the peace of a quiet day. Yet, the clutter of everyday life, both physical and emotional, can rob us of these meaningful experiences. For seniors, simplifying life is about more than just organizing possessionsits about creating space for moments that truly matter.At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we understand that the greatest gift we can give ourselves and our loved ones is timetime to connect, time to relax, and time to create memories. Our goal is to help seniors declutter and simplify their lives so they can focus on what really matters. Heres how simplifying your life can lead to more meaningful moments and a happier, more peaceful existence.The Emotional Burden of Clutter and How to Overcome ItAs we age, we accumulate not only material possessions but also memories, emotions, and experiences attached to these items. For many seniors, the process of decluttering can feel overwhelming, as every object seems to carry a story or sentiment. But holding on to too much can become emotionally burdensome, making it difficult to move forward and enjoy lifes present moments.Why Decluttering Matters for Emotional Well-beingPhysical clutter often translates into mental clutter. A disorganized home can make it hard to focus, relax, or even find joy in the little things. For seniors, this clutter can also lead to safety concerns, such as tripping hazards or an inability to find important items. But beyond the physical risks, clutter also weighs heavily on emotional health.Letting Go of the Past: While it can be difficult to part with possessions that remind us of the past, its important to remember that memories arent tied to objects. Letting go of excess allows room for new experiences and connections. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we guide seniors through the process of decluttering with compassion, helping them hold on to whats truly meaningful and release what no longer serves them.Creating a Peaceful Space: A clutter-free home is a peaceful home. When you clear out whats unnecessary, you create a sanctuarya place where you can relax, reflect, and focus on the things that bring you joy. Whether its spending time with family, enjoying a favorite hobby, or simply sitting in a quiet, organized room, the emotional benefits of decluttering are profound.The Joy of Simplicity: Simplifying your life doesnt mean losing what you love; it means finding clarity and freedom. By keeping only what brings you happiness or serves a purpose, you make space for meaningful momentstime spent with family, pursuing passions, or just enjoying a stress-free environment.Practical Tips for Simplifying Your Senior LifeSimplifying life doesnt have to be an overwhelming task. With the right approach, seniors can declutter their homes and create more time for the moments that truly matter. Here are some practical tips from A Call to Order Professional Organizers to help seniors simplify their lives:1. Start Small and Take It Step by StepDecluttering your entire home at once can feel overwhelming. Instead, start small by focusing on one area or room at a time. Whether its a closet, a kitchen drawer, or a spare bedroom, breaking the process into manageable steps makes it less daunting and more achievable.2. Keep Only What You Love or NeedOne of the most effective ways to simplify your life is to adopt the love it or need it rule. When deciding whether to keep or part with an item, ask yourself, Does this bring me joy? or Is this truly necessary in my life? By keeping only the items that enhance your well-being, you can create a space filled with positivity and purpose.3. Enlist the Help of Loved Ones or ProfessionalsDecluttering is often easier when done with the support of others. Whether its family members or professional organizers like A Call to Order, having someone to guide and encourage you can make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Not only does this provide emotional support, but it also helps create a shared experience with those you love.4. Digitize MemoriesFor many seniors, one of the hardest parts of decluttering is letting go of sentimental items such as photos, letters, or mementos. Consider digitizing these memories by scanning old photographs or letters and storing them in a digital format. This allows you to preserve the memories without holding on to physical clutter.5. Establish New Routines for Maintaining SimplicityOnce youve decluttered, its important to establish routines to keep your home organized and clutter-free. Set aside time each week to tidy up, donate items you no longer need, or reorganize spaces. This not only maintains the physical organization but also fosters a sense of control and peace in your home.Conclusion: A Life with More Time for What Truly MattersAt A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we believe that simplifying life is the key to finding more time for the things that matter mostwhether its spending quality moments with family, nurturing hobbies, or simply enjoying the beauty of a peaceful home. For seniors, this journey toward simplicity is about more than just letting go of clutter; its about embracing the gift of time.By decluttering your home, you can make room for the things that truly matter in your lifemore meaningful moments, greater peace of mind, and the joy of living simply. Let us help you on this journey, so you can enjoy every precious moment life has to offer.

Caring for our seniors is a profound responsibility that encompasses ensuring their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. As our loved ones age, they may require different levels of assistance and support to maintain their quality of life. At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we understand the complexities of senior care and offer tailored solutions to create comfortable, safe, and nurturing environments for seniors. This guide aims to provide practical advice and tips for effective senior care solutions.Creating a Safe and Accessible EnvironmentReducing Clutter and Enhancing SafetyA clutter-free environment is essential for the safety of seniors, as it minimizes the risk of falls and injuries. Start by decluttering common areas such as living rooms, kitchens, and hallways. Remove unnecessary items and ensure that pathways are clear and well-lit. Consider the placement of furniture and ensure it is arranged to allow easy navigation.Tip: Use non-slip mats in areas prone to moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens, to prevent slips and falls. Install grab bars in bathrooms to provide extra support.Implementing Accessibility SolutionsAccessibility is a crucial aspect of senior care. Modifying the home to meet the needs of seniors can greatly enhance their independence and quality of life. Simple modifications, such as installing ramps, widening doorways, and lowering countertops, can make a significant difference. Additionally, ensure that essential items are within easy reach and that storage solutions are organized and labeled clearly.Tip: Consider installing lever-style door handles and faucets, which are easier for seniors with arthritis or limited hand strength to use.Technology for Safety and ConvenienceEmbrace technology to enhance the safety and convenience of senior living. Medical alert systems, smart home devices, and monitoring systems can provide peace of mind for both seniors and their caregivers. These technologies can help seniors stay connected, remind them to take medications, and alert emergency services if needed.Tip: Introduce seniors to easy-to-use smartphones or tablets, which can help them stay connected with family and friends and provide access to helpful apps for health and safety.Emotional and Social SupportMaintaining Social ConnectionsSocial isolation can have detrimental effects on seniors' mental and emotional health. Encourage and facilitate social interactions by involving seniors in community activities, family gatherings, and social clubs. Regular visits and phone calls from family members and friends can also make a significant difference.Tip: Help seniors explore hobbies and interests that can be done in group settings, such as book clubs, gardening groups, or art classes, to foster social connections.Providing Emotional SupportThe aging process can bring about feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Providing emotional support is crucial in senior care. Listen to their concerns, validate their feelings, and engage in meaningful conversations. Professional counseling or support groups can also be beneficial for seniors struggling with emotional challenges.Tip: Encourage journaling or creative expression, such as painting or music, as outlets for seniors to process their emotions and reduce stress.Engaging in Physical ActivitiesPhysical activity is vital for seniors to maintain their health and well-being. Encourage them to engage in regular exercise that is suitable for their physical capabilities. Gentle activities such as walking, yoga, and swimming can improve mobility, balance, and overall health.Tip: Organize group exercise sessions or community walks to make physical activity a social and enjoyable experience for seniors.Caring for seniors involves a holistic approach that addresses their physical, emotional, and social needs. By creating safe and accessible environments, providing emotional support, and encouraging social connections and physical activity, we can significantly enhance their quality of life. At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we are dedicated to offering personalized solutions that cater to the unique needs of seniors. Through thoughtful and compassionate care, we can ensure that our seniors live with dignity, comfort, and joy.By implementing these practical tips and strategies, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of the seniors you care for. Let's work together to create nurturing spaces where our seniors can thrive and enjoy their golden years to the fullest.