Chicagoland Area - Chicago North/West Suburbs, DuPage County, Chicago Southland & NW Indiana

Moving can be a stressful experience at any age, but it poses unique challenges for seniors. The emotional and physical demands of downsizing, relocating, and adjusting to a new environment can be overwhelming. At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we understand the importance of making this transition as smooth and stress-free as possible. Senior Move Management is an art that combines empathy, organization, and practical solutions to empower elders during their move. This guide offers insights and tips on how to manage senior moves effectively.The Emotional Aspects of MovingUnderstanding Emotional AttachmentsSeniors often have strong emotional attachments to their homes and belongings, accumulated over a lifetime of memories. Moving can feel like letting go of a significant part of their lives. Acknowledge these emotions and approach the process with sensitivity and compassion.Tip: Spend time listening to their stories and memories associated with their belongings. This can help them feel valued and understood, making it easier to let go of certain items.Involving Seniors in the ProcessEmpower seniors by involving them in the decision-making process. This can give them a sense of control and reduce anxiety. Discuss their preferences, needs, and concerns regarding the move. Create a collaborative plan that respects their wishes and eases the transition.Tip: Break down the moving process into manageable steps and celebrate small accomplishments along the way. This can help maintain a positive outlook and reduce overwhelm.Preserving MemoriesWhile downsizing, its crucial to find ways to preserve cherished memories. Help seniors select a few meaningful items that can be prominently displayed in their new home. Consider creating digital photo albums or memory boxes to retain sentimental value without the physical clutter.Tip: Create a memory lane in their new home with framed photos, favorite books, or other treasured items. This can make the new space feel familiar and comforting.Practical Steps for a Smooth MovePlanning and OrganizationEffective planning and organization are key to a successful move. Start by creating a comprehensive timeline that includes sorting, packing, moving, and settling in. Assign specific tasks and deadlines to ensure a systematic approach.Tip: Use a color-coded labeling system for boxes and furniture to simplify unpacking and arrangement in the new home. This can save time and reduce confusion on moving day.Decluttering and DownsizingHelp seniors sort through their belongings to decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. Focus on the practical needs and available space in the new home. Encourage them to keep items that serve a purpose or bring joy, while gently guiding them to let go of unnecessary possessions.Tip: Set up a dedicated area for donations and arrange for pick-ups or drop-offs to charity organizations. This can streamline the decluttering process and provide a sense of contribution to the community.Hiring Professional HelpConsider enlisting the help of professional organizers or senior move managers. They bring expertise, efficiency, and emotional support to the moving process. Professionals can handle logistics, packing, and even the setup of the new home, allowing seniors and their families to focus on emotional well-being.Tip: Research and choose reputable senior move management services that align with your specific needs and budget. Personal recommendations and reviews can be helpful in making the right choice.Creating a Comfortable New HomeEnsure that the new living space is comfortable, safe, and accessible for seniors. Arrange furniture and belongings in a way that promotes ease of movement and accessibility. Personalize the space with familiar items to create a sense of home.Tip: Conduct a safety assessment of the new home to identify and address potential hazards such as loose rugs, inadequate lighting, or steep stairs. Simple modifications can significantly enhance safety and comfort.Empowering elders during their move is about more than just logistics; its about honoring their past, respecting their emotions, and creating a positive experience. Senior Move Management, with its blend of practical solutions and compassionate care, can transform a potentially stressful process into a journey of empowerment and renewal.At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we are dedicated to supporting seniors and their families through every step of the move. By understanding the emotional aspects, involving seniors in the process, and employing practical strategies, we can ensure a seamless transition that celebrates the richness of their lives and helps them embrace the next chapter with confidence and peace.By following these tips and approaches, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of your elderly loved ones, ensuring their move is not just a change of residence, but a positive and empowering experience.

In a world increasingly defined by digital interaction, the image of older adults eagerly embracing technology might seem like a recent development. Yet, as we delve deeper into this digital age, it becomes increasingly apparent that seniors are not only adapting to technology but are finding profound ways to leverage it for their social and emotional well-being. Email, text messaging, video conferencing, social mediathese are not just tools of the younger generation. They are lifelines that connect older adults to the people and communities they cherish. While the idea of navigating these digital channels may seem daunting to some seniors, the rewards of staying connected through technology far outweigh the initial fears. One of the most accessible and widely used forms of digital communication for seniors is email. With its simplicity and ubiquity, email has become a staple for staying in touch with loved ones near and far. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, 86% of seniors aged 65 and older use email regularly, with many citing it as their preferred method of communication for keeping in touch with family and friends. These statistics are not just impressive; they are a testament to the adaptability and eagerness of seniors to embrace the digital age. And with projections indicating that the number of older adults using email is set to increase by 15% over the next decade, the trend towards digital communication among seniors shows no signs of slowing down. Text messaging, with its brevity and immediacy, has also emerged as a favored mode of communication among seniors. While some may initially balk at the idea of typing on a small screen, the convenience and intimacy of text messaging quickly win them over. According to the same Pew study, 67% of seniors now use text messaging on a regular basis, with usage steadily increasing over the past decade. These figures are not just remarkable; they represent a seismic shift in how seniors are embracing technology to stay connected with their loved ones. And with projections indicating that text messaging among older adults is expected to grow by 20% over the next 10 years, it's clear that seniors are not just catching up with technologythey're leading the way. Video conferencing takes digital communication to a whole new level, offering seniors the opportunity to see and hear their loved ones in real-time. Whether it's a weekly family gathering or a virtual birthday celebration, video calls bring people together in ways that were once unimaginable. A report by AARP found that 42% of adults aged 50 and older use video calling platforms like Zoom or FaceTime to stay connected with family and friends, with usage spiking during the COVID-19 pandemic. These statistics are not just impressive; they are a testament to the transformative power of technology in bridging the gap between generations. And with projections indicating that the number of older adults using video conferencing is set to double over the next 20 years, it's clear that virtual communication is here to stay. And then there's social media, the virtual town square where people of all ages come together to share stories, memories, and moments. While some seniors may initially approach social media with skepticism, many quickly discover its potential to reconnect with old friends, discover new interests, and stay informed about the lives of their loved ones. According to the Pew Research Center, 73% of adults aged 65 and older use social media regularly, with Facebook being the most popular platform among this demographic. These figures are not just notable; they represent a paradigm shift in how seniors are engaging with technology to stay connected with the world around them. And with projections indicating that social media usage among older adults is expected to increase by 25% over the next decade, it's clear that seniors are embracing digital communication with open arms. Of course, it's natural for seniors to have concerns about using technology, especially when it comes to online safety and privacy. Just as in the physical world, there are risks and precautions to consider in the digital realm. Seniors must be vigilant about protecting their personal information, avoiding scams, and navigating the ever-changing landscape of online security. But with proper guidance and support, these concerns can be addressed, allowing seniors to reap the benefits of technology without undue worry. Educational resources, community programs, tech-savvy family members, and companies that specifically help older adults and seniors understand and use technology can all play a role in empowering seniors to navigate the digital world with confidence and competence. Ultimately, the benefits of staying connected through technology far outweigh the risks. For seniors, the ability to maintain meaningful relationships, stay informed, and engage with the world around them is worth the effort of learning new skills and adapting to new technologies. Whether it's sending an email, sharing a text message, or joining a video call, every digital interaction is an opportunity to strengthen bonds, foster connection, and enrich the lives of seniors and their loved ones. In an age where technology often dominates the conversation, it's heartening to see older adults not only embracing digital communication but thriving in it. With each virtual hug and digital dialogue, seniors are rewriting the narrative of aging, proving that connection knows no age limits and that the bonds of love and friendship are as strong as ever in the digital age. And with the continued growth and adoption of technology among older adults, the future of senior connectivity has never looked brighter.

You may have heard the term cutting the cord recently or have a friend or relative who was eager to tell you about the money they save each month by using video streaming services instead of traditional cable TV. If you havent yet heard this phrase dont worry, its just a clever expression to describe the process of canceling cable TV in favor of using video streaming services. In the ever-evolving world of entertainment, many find themselves at a crossroads when it comes to the world of cable television. Perhaps youre wondering if it's time to bid farewell to cable TV and say hello to the world of video streaming services. It's a decision that can bring about a breath of fresh air to your TV experience while saving money along the way. Cable TV bills do have a knack for creeping up over time which is done by design. Cutting the cord is usually a budget-friendly move and is about striking the right balance between your favorite channels and cost. An additional advantage of cutting the cord is saying goodbye to those pesky cable box rental fees as well. Consider this: with cable TV, you're likely paying for channels you never watch. It's like ordering a buffet and only eating a few select dishes. Streaming services offer a variety of subscription options, letting you choose the channels and content that matter most to you, but before making the leap, it's crucial to understand your viewing preferences. What do you like to watch? Is local network TV enough for you, or do you have to have traditional cable stations like CNN, MSNBC, TLC or HGTV? Is catching the big game a must, or could you care less about sports?  The beauty of cutting the cord lies in its flexibility it allows you to tailor your entertainment choices to fit your unique preferences, but you need to be very specific about what you must have and cant live without. All streaming services are not created equal.  This is where it can begin to feel overwhelming and challenging due to all the available options.  To help make the decision a bit easier, consider these factors before making the switch. If there are specific cable channels you can't live without, live TV streaming services like Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV offer a comparable channel lineup to traditional cable TV, but without the extra broadcast and network fees that cable companies charge. These streaming services provide access to live channels, including news, familiar cable TV networks, sports, and local programming, giving you the flexibility of streaming with the convenience of live television. This is the easiest and most comprehensive alternative to canceling cable TV.   On the other hand, if live TV or traditional cable TV stations arent a priority, you might find that a combination of streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Disney+, or other video streaming services will meet your entertainment needs. While these services dont offer live TV or local channels they do offer huge libraries of video content. Depending on how many services you subscribe to this is usually a less expensive option than using a single video streaming service like Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV. An even simpler option, as well as the most cost-effective, is to purchase an amplified, digital antenna that connects to an electrical outlet as well as your TV.  These antennas allow you to access over the air, high-definition channels with crystal-clear picture quality, providing a budget-friendly option for staying connected to local news and network shows. While this is the most cost-effective option, it is also the most restrictive from a channel lineup perspective and the least reliable of the options Ive mentioned.  Antenna placement within your home, distance from the broadcasting antenna as well as any objects between your antenna and the broadcasting antenna are all variables that affect signal reliability. But if you dont watch much TV or dont generally care about what you watch, this may be the perfect option for you. Even if you do decide to cancel your cable TV subscription dont cancel your internet service. You still need to have internet service to use video streaming services, but it is very likely that you are paying a monthly rental fee to your cable provider for a modem or modem/router combo unit.  Check your bill if youre not sure.  A modem is a device that helps bring the internet into your home and a router is a device that distributes the internet wirelessly within your home. They can be separate devices or combined into one device. Instead of renting these devices from your internet provider, an additional cost-saving consideration is purchasing your own modem and router. While there is an up-front cost to purchase these devices, over the long run it is more economical to own this hardware rather than rent it. Making the switch may seem daunting at first, but fear not. Streaming services are designed to be user-friendly, even for those who arent digital natives. If you can navigate a TV remote, you can easily master the world of streaming. Most streaming platforms have intuitive interfaces that make finding and watching your favorite shows a breeze. Cutting the cord and embracing video streaming is more than just a change in how you watch TV; it's a shift towards a more personalized and cost-effective entertainment experience. It's about having the freedom to choose what you watch, when you watch it, and how much you're willing to spend. So, why not take the plunge and join the streaming revolution? Your favorite shows, movies, and a world of entertainment await all at the touch of a button. So, don't be afraid to explore this new frontier in television, where the possibilities are endless, and the savings are real.

WOW (Widows or Widowers) was founded by Dolores Bonfield Cortis in May, 1975. Dolores was widowed at the young age of 38. She joined Parents Without Partners in the area where she resided. The group was made up of recently divorced people. Being a grieving widow with young children who also were dealing with their sorrow, is not the same as a divorced parent.Through Parents without Partners, she met other newly widowed men and women. They formed the first WOW group in the Western Suburbs. It is a place to go for understanding, companionship, and to participate in social activates with like individuals. The idea was and is that Step we need to take to get back to living a normal life without the one we loved. To give us the understanding that although we are now widowed, we can resume life with all others and feel accepted as a new person.After 43 years, we now have a membership of over 185 members. Our membership has gone up and down over the years for a variety of reasons death or members that have moved to retirement areas around the country. But we have remained consistent in our zeal to prosper, and we have 43 years to prove that!We publish a monthly News Letter that lists our social activities and support meetings. WOW continues to offer support, friendship, education and social activities to the widowed people in the western suburbs of Chicago. A monthly Social Gathering is held at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 537 South York Road, In Elmhurst, IL. At 7:00 pm on the third Thursday of each month. Feel free to join us at our monthly meeting. We welcome guests of all ages!For additional information, check out our website at (www.wow.cfsites.org) or contact Dave Spero, WOW President at (630-620-4060).