Colorado - Boulder County

A Parkinsons diagnosis is a life-changing event it changes daily routines, long-term plans and can often become a job in itself to navigate, but still, it is manageable. According to the Parkinsons Foundation, nearly one million Americans are currently living with the diagnosis, and as many of them can attest, its entirely possible to live full, happy, healthy lives. While there are some extra hoops to jump through when dealing with a Parkinsons diagnosis, family caregivers play an important role, especially when understanding how to care for someone with Parkinsons disease.Below are some key takeaways to guide you in supporting a loved one living with Parkinsons.Offering Emotional SupportBefore you offer hands-on assistance, offer emotional support and use your loved ones feelings to gauge how much theyd like to be helped. Encourage, dont nag. Instill confidence in your loved one by encouraging them to continue their everyday routine post-diagnosis, but dont pester them to do tasks that they feel averse to.  Be observant, but not overbearing. Its okay to watch and see how independent your loved one can be, but dont jump straight in and take control of their daily lives.  Embrace and normalize the diagnosis. Nearly one million other Americans are dealing with similar circumstances. Remind your loved one that they arent alone.  Offering Physical SupportThe level of physical help that you should offer is going to be an evolving fine line. Its vital that you dont let a loved one feel robbed of their independence, but its also important that they receive the physical help they need. Start small with: Involving the person in your daily tasks. Invite them to come visit, go on car rides, come grocery shopping, or even just watch TV.  Gently encouraging everyday exercise. Try to find hobbies that can keep them on their feet without making it feel like a doctors prescription. Try gardening, daily walks or light workouts like swimming or yoga.  Managing a healthy diet. Dont overlook what your loved one is putting into their body. Suggest balanced meals with plenty of calcium to combat fragile bones, fiber to minimize constipation and other necessary nutrients.  As symptoms progress, your assistance will likely evolve to tasks such as: Helping with household chores. It may fall on you to keep the house in order with things like cooking, cleaning or staying on top of laundry. If you notice the house in disarray, act without being asked. Eliminate tripping hazards and move furniture to allow for easy access.  Helping with grooming and dressing. Your loved one will likely need help with things like getting in and out of bed, getting in and out of the shower, and putting on certain pieces of clothing. To minimize how much help youll need to offer, consider clothes with Velcro or elastic waistbands, buy shower stools, and keep in mind that stand-in showers are much easier to navigate.  Offering Mental SupportWhile most mental impairments related to Parkinsons dont manifest until later in the diagnosis, the earlier stages still come with plenty of considerations that can leave your loved one feeling burnt out or mentally exhausted. You can help to manage this by:Reminding them of medications. Its difficult to memorize a new routine, especially when it involves specific dosages and administration times. Gently remind or ask if theyre on top of their medication. Offer to create a calendar for administration times on their phone or make a note somewhere in the house, but again, dont be too overbearing.Attending their doctors appointments. Not only will your loved ones appreciate you getting them to the doctor, but theyll also be thankful for the mental load that your presence can alleviate. You can be an extra set of ears to note what the doctor says, and you can relay this information if your loved one forgets later on. Note the progression of their symptoms. If you notice a new symptom for the first time, write it down. This can provide a concrete timeline for you and your loved ones care team to work with.  

On a journey of wellness involves more than just physical healthit encompasses the emotional, mental, and social well-being of individuals, especially seniors. At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we understand the importance of cultivating dignity and compassion in senior care solutions. In this guide, we'll explore how prioritizing dignity can enhance the overall wellness of seniors and offer compassionate care solutions to support them along the way.The Significance of Dignity in Senior CareDignity is a fundamental aspect of human existence, and it holds particular importance in the context of senior care. As individuals age, they may face challenges that affect their sense of dignity, such as loss of independence, health issues, or changes in living arrangements. Prioritizing dignity in senior care involves recognizing and respecting the inherent worth and value of each individual, regardless of their age or circumstances.Compassionate Senior Care SolutionsEmpowerment Through Choice: One of the most effective ways to cultivate dignity in senior care is by empowering seniors to make choices about their own lives and care. Encourage seniors to actively participate in decision-making processes related to their health, living arrangements, and daily routines. Offer choices whenever possible, whether it's selecting meals, deciding on activities, or choosing personal preferences for their living space. By honoring their autonomy and preferences, you demonstrate respect for their dignity and individuality.Respectful Communication: Communication plays a crucial role in fostering dignity in senior care. Practice active listening and empathy when interacting with seniors, taking the time to understand their needs, concerns, and preferences. Use respectful language and tone, and avoid talking down to or patronizing seniors. Treat them as equals and partners in their care journey, valuing their input and perspective.Maintaining Independence: Preserving independence is essential for maintaining dignity in senior care. Provide support and assistance as needed, but also encourage seniors to remain as independent as possible in their daily activities. Offer tools and resources, such as mobility aids or adaptive devices, to help seniors maintain autonomy and continue engaging in activities they enjoy. Respect their boundaries and preferences regarding assistance, allowing them to retain a sense of control over their lives.Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment: A safe and supportive environment is essential for promoting dignity in senior care. Ensure that living spaces are clean, comfortable, and accessible, with adequate lighting, safety features, and support systems in place. Create opportunities for social interaction and engagement to combat loneliness and isolation, fostering a sense of belonging and connection within the community. Tailor care plans to meet the individual needs and preferences of each senior, recognizing their unique strengths and challenges.Providing Compassionate Support: Compassion lies at the heart of dignified senior care. Offer emotional support and encouragement, acknowledging the emotional challenges that seniors may face during transitions or health issues. Be present and attentive to their needs, offering reassurance, comfort, and companionship when needed. Show empathy and understanding, validating their feelings and experiences without judgment.At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we believe that every senior deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. Our dedicated team is committed to providing compassionate senior care solutions that prioritize the well-being and dignity of each individual we serve. With our expertise and compassionate approach, we'll work alongside seniors to create personalized care plans that honor their autonomy, preferences, and unique life experiences. Let us be your partner in cultivating dignity and enhancing the journey of wellness for seniors.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)is a surgical treatment for movement disorders such as Parkinsons disease (PD), essential tremor (ET) and dystonia. In Parkinsons disease, DBS is best suited for patients whose medication fails to provide adequate symptom control or in whom medications cause intolerable side effects.Parkinsons patients who undergo DBS typically experience a dramatic reduction in their medications and more consistent motor function. They typically have a more fluid movement without the highs and lows of medications wearing off. DBS will reduce rigidity, improve bradykinesia (slowness), improve akinesia (freezing) and diminish tremors. The dyskinesias usually resolve due to medication reduction. DBS is also very effective for patients with essential tremor, eliminating the need for medications and reducing tremor by 60-90%.DBS provides a constant, high frequency electrical signal to a specific area of the brain, which overrides the abnormal circuitry in the brains of patients with movement disorders, providing therapeutic benefits for many symptoms associated with these diseases.SOME COMMON CONCERNS AND MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT DBSMy condition is not bad enough to necessitate DBS.In Parkinsons disease, there is a window of opportunity wherein one can undergo DBS. If a patient has progressed to moderate or severe dementia, DBS is not an option. Furthermore, DBS is appropriate when medication still has a positive effect but is becoming less reliable, or, when side effects are intolerable. Once medications are ineffective, DBS will not be a treatment option. One should inquire about DBS when PD symptoms and effectiveness of medications change, and before dementia sets in. A neurosurgeon or neurologist can help to monitor your symptoms. DBS does not cure PD, and if it progresses we can fine tune programming for continued effectiveness.DBS is experimental and should be used as a last resort.DBS has been approved in the US for more than 10 years, since 1997. There are over 100,000 patients with DBS worldwide. In the case of essential tremor, the American Academy of Neurology recommends DBS for a 60-to-90 percent improvement in limb tremor. For PD, DBS has now been proven to provide better motor symptom control than medications alone, as well as lead to reductions in medication and improved quality of life. The risks of DBS are too high. The rate of infection for this procedure is three-to-five percent over the course of a patients lifetime. The risk of stroke is less than 1%. This procedure has been proven to be safe and effective in the treatment of Parkinsons disease, dystonia and essential tremor. It is in fact the gold standard in treatment of Parkinsons disease. There is minimal post operative pain and most patients spend only one night in the hospital.The battery needs to be replaced often and will include an invasive procedure.Generator replacement takes 15 minutes, can be accomplished under local anesthesia and is done every three-to-five years on average.Once I have DBS I cannot try any new treatments in the future.DBS is reversible and if more advanced treatment options for movement disorders become available, all of the hardware can be removed. DBS only works for tremor. DBS also helps with stiffness, slowness and freezing associated with movement disorders such as PD, and is also effective for essential tremor and dystonia If my doctor hasnt recommended DBS I must not be a good candidate. Often medical doctors may not recommend procedures they are not familiar with and they may not be educated on this advanced technology. If you have questions about DBS you can schedule a consultation with a neurosurgeon to evaluate your candidacy. You can also ask your doctor if this therapy might be right for you.I cannot afford DBS.DBS is covered by all major insurances, including Medicare and Medicaid

As life evolves, so do our needs at home. For seniors, navigating daily life in a cluttered or disorganized space can be overwhelming and even unsafe. Creating a home environment that is both functional and nurturing is an act of love and respect. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we specialize in transforming homes into spaces that prioritize comfort, safety, and joy. With thoughtful adjustments and a touch of care, senior home organization becomes a gateway to easier living and peace of mind.The Impact of Thoughtful Home Organization on SeniorsA well-organized home offers far more than convenience. It promotes safety, independence, and emotional well-being, ensuring seniors feel confident and comfortable in their surroundings.Why Senior Home Organization Matters:Enhances SafetyReducing clutter and organizing essentials minimizes risks like trips and falls, which are common in senior households.Boosts IndependenceAn organized home allows seniors to find and access what they need without assistance, fostering a sense of autonomy.Reduces StressA tidy, harmonious space alleviates feelings of overwhelm and creates a calming atmosphere.Preserves MemoriesThoughtfully arranging sentimental items honors cherished memories while maintaining an orderly space.Practical Considerations:Conduct a home walkthrough to identify problem areas that need decluttering or reorganizing.Include seniors in the decision-making process to ensure the space aligns with their preferences and habits.Focus on high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms where safety and accessibility are paramount.Tips for Senior Home Organization with Love and CareCreating a senior-friendly home doesnt require drastic changes. With a compassionate approach and practical strategies, even small adjustments can make a big difference.Tips for Organizing with Love:Declutter with CompassionWork alongside the senior to sort through belongings. Encourage them to share stories about sentimental items, and help them decide what to keep, donate, or discard.Prioritize AccessibilityArrange frequently used items at waist level to avoid bending or reaching. Use open shelving or labeled containers for easy access.Incorporate Safety FeaturesAdd non-slip mats in bathrooms, secure loose rugs, and ensure lighting is bright and consistent throughout the home.Create Functional ZonesDesignate specific areas for activities like reading, crafting, or relaxing. Keep supplies for each activity neatly organized within reach.Use Simple SystemsImplement straightforward organizational tools such as color-coded bins or daily planners to keep track of medications, appointments, and important documents.A Loving Touch:Personalize the space with photos, favorite colors, and cozy elements like soft throws or pillows.Display sentimental items in a way thats both organized and meaningful, such as a memory shelf or photo collage.Organizing a seniors home is about more than tidinessits about creating a space that supports their well-being and celebrates their life. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we approach every project with empathy and a commitment to making daily living easier for seniors and their families. By combining practical solutions with a heartfelt touch, we turn homes into havens where seniors can thrive. Lets make 2025 a year of love, care, and beautifully organized spaces for the ones who matter most.