The Do’s and Don’ts of Dementia Caregiving

Transitioning into a new phase of life is never easy, especially for our beloved seniors who may feel overwhelmed by the changes that come with relocating or downsizing. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we understand that this isnt just a moveits a deeply emotional journey. We are here to provide more than just organizational support; we bring compassion, empathy, and patience to every step of the process. Our goal is to help seniors and their families navigate this transition with the utmost care, creating an experience rooted in respect and dignity.Understanding the Emotional Impact of a Senior MoveA move often involves more than just changing locationsits an emotional farewell to cherished memories and familiar comforts. For many seniors, downsizing or relocating to a new space signifies more than just leaving a home; it may mean parting with pieces of their identity or decades of memories. This reality can bring up strong emotions, from sadness and anxiety to a sense of loss. Recognizing and respecting these feelings is crucial to supporting a smooth, heartfelt transition.At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we believe in meeting seniors where they are emotionally. Our team takes the time to listen to their stories, learn about their memories, and understand what makes their home feel uniquely theirs. This approach allows us to preserve meaningful items, honor their past, and make sure their new space feels just as personal. When we engage with empathy and patience, we can help reduce the sense of loss and create a moving experience that honors both their memories and their future.Practical Tips for a Smooth, Compassionate TransitionFor families and caregivers, helping a loved one transition to a new living environment can feel overwhelming. Here are some practical steps we recommend to make the process as gentle and considerate as possible:Start with Open CommunicationEarly conversations about the move help everyone feel more comfortable. Discuss the moves purpose and outline the process with your loved one to ease any fears or misunderstandings. Its crucial to approach these discussions with openness and patience, allowing them to express concerns and preferences.Sort Sentimental Items with CareSeniors often attach significant emotional value to certain items. When sorting through belongings, give ample time for them to share memories associated with each item. Help them decide what to keep, donate, or gift to family members in a way that respects their history.Involve Them in Creating the New SpaceSeniors will feel more comfortable in their new home if they play an active role in its creation. Allowing them to decide on the layout or display special keepsakes in the new space fosters a sense of ownership and belonging, helping the new environment feel more like home.Balance Familiarity with the Necessities of DownsizingDownsizing may be a necessary part of the transition, but preserving familiarity can make the adjustment smoother. Retaining certain pieces of furniture, favorite decorations, or even their everyday items can make the new space feel connected to the life theyve known. A Call to Order Professional Organizers helps identify these essential items, preserving the essence of their previous home.Create Moments of Reflection and AcknowledgmentMoving is often a time for reflection, and we encourage families to take breaks throughout the packing process to acknowledge the memories associated with the space. Simple rituals, like walking through each room together or reminiscing over family photographs, provide closure and honor the home theyre leaving behind.When seniors need to move, its not just a logistical taskits a life transition that requires kindness, patience, and respect. A Call to Order Professional Organizers recognizes the emotional weight of this journey and stands ready to offer support, warmth, and a guiding hand. By blending practical organization with heartfelt care, we help seniors and their families create a new beginning that honors their past and embraces the next chapter with peace and dignity.For those facing the decision of relocating or downsizing with a senior loved one, know that you dont have to do it alone. Our team is here to provide professional assistance, backed by a compassionate approach that turns this transition into an experience filled with warmth and understanding. Because at A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we believe every transition should be made with care.

            Have you ever thought about how much you have to protect? Between your family, your finances, your independence and your legacy, it can be quite a lot and thats why it's important to have the right protection plan in place.            Lets look at these areas of need and some possible protection solutions:            Protecting your income An injury or severe illness could prevent you from working for some time. And if that happened, your familys finances could become strained. To help guard against this possibility, you may want to consider disability income insurance. Your employer may offer some type of coverage, but its likely to be short term and may not be enough to help close the income gap you might face, so you may want to consider purchasing your own policy.             Protecting your family  If you were no longer around, how would your familys lifestyle be affected? Could they stay in the same house? Could your children afford college or another type of post-secondary education? If you have adequate life insurance, the answer to these questions can be yes. Again, you might get some coverage from your employer, but it may be insufficient, so you may want to explore additional protection through a personal policy. In determining how much coverage youll need, youll want to weigh several factors: size of mortgage and other debts, number of children, spouses income and needs, and the legacy youd like to leave.            Protecting your goals You may have some important financial goals, such as sending your children to college and achieving a comfortable retirement. To protect these goals, youll need strategies to help prepare for them, which could include investing in an education savings plan and contributing regularly to your IRA and 401(k) or other retirement plans.             Protecting your financial independence Hopefully, you will be able to remain financially independent your entire life. But this independence could be threatened by the need for some type of long-term care. Consider this: A private room in a nursing home costs, on average, more than $116,000 a year, while the services of a home health aide are more than $75,000 a year, according to Genworth, an insurance company. Medicare generally does not cover these costs or types of needs and would typically only pay for a short period. You might be left with significant bills or creditors and possibly dependent on family or loved ones. To help protect yourself from these threats, you may want to consult with a financial professional, who can offer long-term care solutions.            Protecting your legacy When you work hard your whole life, you may want to leave something behind to your loved ones. A comprehensive estate plan can help ensure your family and the charitable groups you support will receive the resources youd like them to have. An estate plan can be somewhat complex, involving various documents and arrangements, including a will, living trust and various powers of attorney, so youll need to work with a qualified legal advisor, and possibly your financial professional.             As weve seen, protection can take many forms. So, try to follow all the protection strategies you need to enjoy the life youve envisioned for yourself and your family. Chad Choate III, AAMS 828 3rd Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-462-2445 chad.chaote@edwardjones.comThis article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.  

As the holiday season approaches, many of us begin to embrace the spirit of joy and togetherness. For seniors, this time of year can evoke a special blend of nostalgia and excitement, providing an opportunity to create new memories with loved ones. However, the stress of clutter can overshadow the joy of the holidays. At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we believe that a serene environment not only enhances well-being but also fosters connection with family and friends. In this blog, well explore effective ways to declutter senior spaces, ensuring that their homes radiate warmth and love during this festive season.Decluttering: A Gift of JoyDecluttering can often seem like a daunting task, especially for seniors who may have accumulated items over the years that carry sentimental value. Yet, creating an organized space doesnt have to be overwhelming. Instead, think of it as a gift that promotes a joyful atmosphere. Tip 1: Start Small and Focus on SentimentalityBegin the decluttering process by encouraging seniors to focus on one area at a time. It could be a specific room, a closet, or even a single drawer. The key is to keep the experience manageable and non-stressful. A good practice is to ask them to sort items into three categories: keep, donate, and discard.When it comes to sentimental items, its important to approach them with care. Suggest they take photographs of items that hold memories instead of keeping every single piece. This way, they can cherish the memories without physical clutter. Setting aside a memories box for truly cherished items can also provide a sense of connection to the past while keeping their environment open and welcoming.Tip 2: Enlist HelpDont hesitate to involve family members in this process. The holidays are all about togetherness, and tackling this task as a family can create new memories while lightening the load. Each family member can take responsibility for specific areas, making the decluttering process enjoyable. Don't forget treats and encouragement to maintain a festive mood!Creating a Welcoming AtmosphereOnce the decluttering is underway, its time to enhance the space for the holiday season. A peaceful and organized environment can significantly improve the seniors mood and overall well-being. Tip 3: Seasonal Decor with HeartIncorporate decorations that evoke joy and warmth. Encourage seniors to choose decorations that hold special meaning for them. This can include handmade ornaments or family heirlooms. A simple touch like a festive tablecloth or hanging twinkling lights can instantly convert a room into a cheerful gathering space without overwhelming them with excess decorations.Additionally, consider the sensory elements of the home. Scents can profoundly influence emotions, so adding a holiday-themed scented candle or simmering potpourri can ignite nostalgic feelings while creating a sense of warmth. Tip 4: Create a Cozy Gathering SpaceThe heart of the home truly shines during the holidays, so lets make sure theres a cozy, inviting space for family and friends to gather. This could be a living room, dining area, or even a cozy corner with comfy chairs and warm blankets. Arrange seating to encourage conversation and connection. A well-organized space will help reduce anxiety and allow everyone to relax and enjoy each others company. If possible, gently advocate for the rearranging of furniture to create an open layout that accommodates guests and fosters a spirit of togetherness.Embracing the Holiday SpiritThe holiday season is a time for love and connection, and nothing creates a more welcoming atmosphere than an organized, clutter-free space. By embracing decluttering as a joyful gift and creating a warm ambiance, we empower seniors to celebrate the holidays in a way that fills their hearts with peace and joy.At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we understand that the joy of the season can be overshadowed by the anxieties of clutter. With thoughtful guidance and strategies, we can help support seniors in their journey toward a merry and bright holiday experience. Lets work together to make this holiday season one to remember for seniors and their families, creating an environment where precious memories can flourish.Remember, the essence of the holidays lies not in perfection but in love, connection, and shared moments. Here's to making every home a special place during this season of joy!