Your role in your own health care

Transitioning into the senior years can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when faced with the challenges of clutter and disorganization. At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we understand the importance of bringing calm and order to seniors' lives. In this blog post, we'll explore how professional organizers can transform chaos into calm for seniors, providing practical tips and guidance along the way.Understanding the Impact of Chaos on SeniorsFor many seniors, maintaining a clutter-free and organized living space becomes increasingly challenging as they age. Clutter can contribute to stress, anxiety, and even safety hazards, impacting both physical and mental well-being. Understanding the impact of chaos on seniors is crucial in recognizing the need for professional organizing services.The Power of Professional Organizers for SeniorsCompassionate Guidance: Professional organizers specializing in senior care offer compassionate guidance and support throughout the organizing process. They understand the unique needs and challenges seniors face and provide non-judgmental assistance in decluttering and organizing their living spaces.Customized Solutions: Every senior's situation is unique, which is why professional organizers tailor their services to meet individual needs. They assess the client's living environment, preferences, and mobility considerations to develop customized organizing solutions that promote functionality and independence.Decluttering Expertise: Seniors may accumulate belongings over the years, leading to clutter and disorganization. Professional organizers have the expertise to help seniors declutter their homes efficiently and effectively. They assist in sorting through possessions, identifying items to keep, donate, or discard, and implementing practical storage solutions.Safety and Accessibility: Safety is paramount, especially for seniors living independently. Professional organizers prioritize safety by creating clutter-free and accessible living spaces. They address potential hazards, such as tripping risks and blocked pathways, and implement safety measures such as installing grab bars and improving lighting.Emotional Support: Sorting through belongings can evoke strong emotions for seniors, particularly when parting with sentimental items. Professional organizers offer emotional support and encouragement throughout the process, helping seniors make decisions that align with their goals and values while respecting their emotional attachment to certain belongings.Long-Term Solutions: Professional organizing is not just about tidying up; it's about establishing sustainable systems that promote long-term organization and well-being. Organizers teach seniors practical strategies for maintaining order in their homes, empowering them to stay organized and clutter-free in the future.At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we recognize the transformative power of bringing order to seniors' lives. Our team of experienced organizers is dedicated to helping seniors transition from chaos to calm, providing compassionate guidance, customized solutions, and ongoing support every step of the way. With our expertise in decluttering, organizing, and promoting safety, we create harmonious living environments where seniors can thrive independently. Let us be your partner in reclaiming peace, order, and tranquility in your home.

As you prepare to celebrate the holidays this season, you may notice some changes in your parents or senior loved ones if you havent seen them in a while. They may seem more forgetful, depressed or confused.  Do they have Alzheimers disease or Dementia? Alzheimers disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease which is both debilitating and life-changing. Is it time to start researching assisted living or memory care communities? Fortunately, there are warning signs your loved one may have Alzheimers disease or Dementia that can help you determine if its time to look at visiting a community, or at least visiting a doctor. 10 Early Indicators of Alzheimers Disease and Dementia in Seniors: -Forgetfulness and Short-Term Memory LossThe early effects of memory loss cause people to forget entire conversations from just moments before. Dementia and Alzheimers disease typically affect short term-memory first (memories that took place just a few moments ago). One of the most telling signs of memory issues are when those suffering forget important dates, the ability to remember their family members or ask for the same information repeatedly. -Increased Confusion or Increased Lack of ConcentrationConfusion about times and places can be one of the first indicators of memory loss. Tasks can take much longer than usual, people may forget where theyre going or how they got there or even be unable to navigate to familiar places. This leads to forgetting to track time, seasons and even the passage of time (which leads to forgotten appointments). -Items Show Up In Strange Places or Loved Ones Are Losing ThingsWe all lose things - but those suffering with the early stages of Dementia or Alzheimers disease lose keys or other things in strange places (like the refrigerator). To compound the issue, those affected may lose items and forget how to retrace their steps. Situations can further escalate to paranoia or theft accusations against caregivers. -Difficulty Doing Common TasksAnyone with memory loss or early signs of Dementia might not remember the coordination associated with cooking a favorite recipe, playing a familiar game, driving a vehicle or performing a hobby. Often, early signs of Alzheimers disease or Dementia are noticeable in depth perception, misjudged distances, and seeing colors- attributing for clumsiness, having accidents, falling or other serious health concerns. -Speaking Problems and Other Language IssuesIssues with memory loss can also cause problems with processing and forming language. This can be apparent in conversations and writing. Your loved ones often compensate for this by using stand-in words or their own terms to avoid describing objects and difficult actions. Sometimes, those suffering will stop abruptly during sentences or when engaged in conversation. -Loved Ones Having Problems with Abstract ThinkingThose suffering from memory loss sometimes have difficulty remembering numbers or doing math problems that are traditionally easy for them like simple change calculations, balancing checkbooks, or performing addition and subtraction. -Lapses of Judgement / Issues Making DecisionsWhile making a bad judgement call or having a difficult time making decisions isnt necessarily a sign of Alzheimers or a sign of Dementia, it could be one of the signs your senior parent or loved one might have Dementia. This could include your loved one falling for offers that are clearly scams, spending a reckless amount of money, or dressing inappropriately for weather conditions or following up on simple plans. -Personality Changes, Mood Swings, Frustration, Fear and Anxiety  Sometimes, those suffering with memory care needs have mood swings and show changes in personality. This can cause those suffering to get scared, act fearful, be depressed, become angry, overly anxious or even worried. This can even cause a calm, confident adult to become immediately tentative, shy, and confused especially when theyre outside of their comfort zone - like in a public area. -Loss of Grooming Ability or Changes in Personal HygieneDeclining attention to personal care (infrequent bathing, wearing the same clothes day in and out, not brushing teeth or hair) are often precursors to dementia. The same is true about cleaning the home - if a homes cleanliness declines suddenly, it could be a sign of a memory issue. -Loved Ones Withdrawal from Friends and FamilyOne of the biggest red flags is when seniors start withdrawing from social opportunities and activities that they enjoyed in the past. Legend Senior Living has found that seniors with dementia and Alzheimers disorder avoid being around people to avoid drawing attention to their memory loss, lapses in memory, or difficulty communicating because of memory loss. These symptoms can seem pretty normal as we engage and interact with our loved ones however, they can also be very telling in understanding how memory loss such as Dementia and Alzheimers disease affect our loved ones.  If you notice these symptoms in your loved one, we encourage you to seek out additional care options and services that ensure your loved one is getting the care they need to live their best life.

Understanding Dementia: Why it MattersAddressing the complexities of a dementia diagnosis can be a challenging task, especially when communicating this to a younger audience. A dementia diagnosis impacts everyone in the family, including the youngest members. Children are keen observers and will likely notice changes in their loved one. Without understanding, these changes may leave them feeling confused, scared, or even responsible. Therefore, understanding the basics about dementia and communicating it in an age-appropriate way is critical for them to process what is happening. Dementia: What it isExplanation and SymptomsDementia is a term that represents several conditions that affect brain functions such as memory, thinking skills, and the ability to perform everyday activities. This group of symptoms impacts cognitive function significantly and is persistent enough to interfere with daily life and independence. Symptoms can include memory loss, difficulty in thinking or problem-solving, challenges with communication, and notable changes in mood, personality, or behavior. Types of DementiaThere are various types of dementia, each with unique symptoms and progression patterns. Alzheimers disease is the most common, contributing to 60-80% of cases. Vascular dementia often occurs after a stroke. While these are the most recognized forms, there are many other types like Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal disorders, and mixed dementia. How it Affects SeniorsWhile dementia is not a normal part of aging, its more prevalent in seniors. It can significantly alter their behavior, personality, and ability to perform daily tasks. This often leads to them needing assistance in their day-to-day life. The Childs Perspective: Understanding Their WorldviewExplaining dementia to children requires empathy and understanding of their world. Kids comprehension of health, illness, and aging varies widely based on their age and maturity level. Thus, when crafting your explanation, its essential to consider their cognitive development stage and adjust your language and explanations accordingly. Talking About Dementia: Preparing the ConversationApproaching the subject of dementia should be well-thought-out. Choose a calm and quiet time when the child wont be distracted or rushed. This will give you both the space to navigate the conversation and handle the emotions that might arise. Breaking the NewsWhen and HowIntroduce the topic gently and gradually. You might start by asking what theyve noticed about their loved one or if theyve wondered why theyre behaving differently. Explaining in Simple TermsExplain dementia in straightforward, age-appropriate language. For younger children, you might explain that their loved ones brain is getting a little mixed up or isnt working as well as it used to. The Role of MetaphorsMetaphors can be powerful tools to help children grasp complex concepts. For instance, you might compare the brain to a machine thats not working properly or a light bulb thats flickering. Dealing with ReactionsNormalizing FeelingsHelp the child understand that its okay to feel a wide range of emotions, whether thats sadness, confusion, anger, or fear. These are normal reactions to significant changes. Answering QuestionsChildren are naturally curious and will likely have many questions. Answer their inquiries honestly, yet gently, using language they can comprehend. Ongoing ConversationThe explanation of dementia is not a one-time talk; its an ongoing conversation. The dialogue will evolve as the loved ones condition progresses and the childs understanding deepens.Activities for UnderstandingEducational ResourcesThere are numerous childrens books, videos, and online resources specifically designed to help children understand dementia. Interactive ActivitiesInvolve the child in memory games or role-playing exercises to simulate memory loss and promote empathy. This can help them understand what their loved one is going through. Providing Emotional SupportBe PresentEnsure youre there for the child emotionally. Let them express their feelings, reassure them about their concerns, and offer a comforting presence during this challenging time. Listen ActivelyActive listening goes a long way. Validate their thoughts, fears, and feelings, showing them that its okay to share their inner emotions.Reassure and ComfortReassure the child that, despite the changes, their loved one still cares deeply for them. Explaining ChangesBehavior ChangesInform the child that the senior might behave differently, show confusion, or forget things more often.Physical ChangesPhysical changes might occur in the loved one, such as trouble walking or talking. Make sure to prepare the child for these possible changes. Changes in RolesThe family dynamics might change as a result of the loved ones diagnosis. Explaining this shift to the child will help them understand why these changes are necessary. Building a Supportive EnvironmentMaintaining RoutineA sense of routine can provide a semblance of security and normalcy for the child during this uncertain time. Open CommunicationFoster an environment of open communication. Encourage the child to ask questions, share their feelings, and express their concerns. Inclusion in CareInclude the child in caregiving activities in ways that are age-appropriate and comfortable for them. Tips for Continued ConversationsRegular UpdatesKeep the child updated about the condition of their loved one. This will prepare them for the ongoing changes and help them understand the progression of the disease. Honesty and PatienceHonesty is paramount, but it needs to be balanced with patience. Explain that dementia is a medical condition, not a personal choice or a reflection on their relationship. Promoting EmpathyHelp the child to understand how their loved one might be feeling. This encourages empathy and patience. Additional ResourcesBooksThere are many age-appropriate books available that address dementia, which can be a helpful resource. WebsitesSeveral websites offer valuable information on understanding and coping with dementia. Support GroupsSupport groups can offer a sense of community and understanding, especially for older children and teens. Involving ProfessionalsSometimes, involving professionals like therapists or counselors can be beneficial in helping children process their feelings and better understand the situation. Dementia: A Family AffairLastly, remember to reinforce that dementia is a family affair. Everyones feelings, experiences, and contributions matter, and its okay to have good days and bad days.Final Thoughts: Recap and Next StepsHelping children understand a senior loved ones dementia diagnosis is a challenging yet vital task. Its an ongoing process, filled with numerous conversations and learning opportunities. The most important thing is to provide a supportive, open, and loving environment for the child as they navigate this difficult journey. Its also completely acceptable, and often beneficial, to seek help from professionals or use various resources to guide you along the way.We hope our guide on explaining a senior loved ones dementia diagnosis to children has been helpful. At Integracare, we extend our commitment to exceptional care across our 18 communities in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, offering assisted living, memory care, independent living, and short-term/respite care with the same high standards. If youd like to learn more about any of our communities, please reach out to us. Were here to support you and your family throughout this journey.