Colorado - Denver Metro

What you put on your plate might affect what you see in the mirror. But a few tweaks to your dining habits can go a long way to keeping your skin youthful and your body healthy.The key approach? Eat better.To learn of the types of food to avoid and those that are beneficial in many ways to your overall health, as recommended by Nourish, By WebMD, CLICK HERE.

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization defines hospice care as quality, compassionate care for people facing a life-limiting illness or injury, that involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to an Individuals needs and wishes. Hospice affirms that concept that death is a natural part of life and not only considers the individual, but the family as the center of care. To receive hospice care, an individual must have a life limiting illness in which they are no longer seeking aggressive or curative medical treatments and if the illness were to run its natural course has a life expectancy of six months or less.Similar to hospice, palliative care is family-centered care that optimizes quality of life by anticipating, preventing and/or treating suffering. Palliative care addresses physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs to facilitate patient autonomy, access to information and choice. Palliative care is available to individuals that desire additional support while still pursuing aggressive, curative treatments; individuals admitted to Hospice are not seeking curative treatments, rather comfort and support at the end of life.Bottom line, whether an individual is seeking palliative care or hospice services an interdisciplinary team will be available to provide expertise and support to the individual and the family. Hospice focuses on end of life comfort while palliative care provides additional support to those patients that are pursing curative measures.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Shawn Swanson, RN, BSN, CHPN. Shawn is the Director of Clinical Services for Porter Hospice and St. Anthony's Hospice in Denver, Colorado. Shawn can be reached at 303-561-5344 or at shawnswanson@centura.org.

Your loved one with Alzheimers or dementia might become suspicious of the people around them. Changes can be stressful for anyone, but they are especially difficult for a person with dementia or Alzheimers disease. Dementia can increase feelings of fear and fatigue from trying to make sense out of an increasingly confusing world. The good news is that if you are dealing with paranoid behaviors, there are things you can do to minimize the outburst and reduce their chances of recurring. Below, our team at Stacys Helping Hand, Inc shares steps you can take and tips to help your loved one.In the MomentSuspicions can come out as hurtful accusations of theft, infidelity or other bad behavior. When these situations occur, the key is to stay patient. With patience, you can take the following steps to alleviate the tension of the moment:Dont take offenseKeep your demeanor and voice calmUse words and nonverbal cues like hugs to reassureAcknowledge the feeling behind the accusationKeep answers simpleDont argue or try to convinceSwitch the focus to something elseUnderstanding the TriggersTry to understand the reasons behind each behavior. Identifying what has triggered a behavior can often help in selecting the best approach to dealing with it. Some triggers might be necessary even if they cause temporary turmoil, such as:Moving to a new residence or nursing homeChanges in a familiar environment or caregiver arrangementsAdmission to a hospitalBeing asked to bathe or change clothesMedicationsYou cant control everything in your loved ones environment, especially during times of transition. But, try to reduce these triggers as much as possible:Create a calm environment. Avoid noise, glare, insecure space and too much background distraction, including television. Maintain a comfortable room temperature. Get replacements of commonly lost items. Let them keep a small amount of cash.Monitor their health and and everyday comfort levels. Check for pain, hunger, thirst, constipation, full bladder, fatigue, infections and skin irritation. Allow adequate rest between stimulating events. Provide a security object. Limit caffeine, sugar and junk food. Maintain as much structure as possible.Talk to OthersConsult a physician to identify any causes related to medications or illness like the below:Drug side effects: Prescription medications might have side effects or interactions and can affect behavior.Discomfort from infections or other conditions: Those with Alzheimers can have increasing difficulty communicating with others about their experience. This can make explaining symptoms difficult. Unspoken pain from infections of the urinary tract, ear or sinuses may lead to restlessness or agitation.Uncorrected problems with hearing or vision: The inability to adequately hear or see can contribute to confusion and frustration and create a sense of isolation.Let other family members know, so they also know what to do and can help. Also, maybe neighbors, or close friends and/or family members of their friends can help.Mostly, we just want you to know you are not alone and you shouldnt feel like you have to handle this all on your own. Our team for Senior Care Facilities can help you through this trying time.Questions, pleases call us at 720-248-7758.

As we journey through life, the concept of home transforms. For seniors, a home isn't just a place; its a treasure trove of memories, comfort, and love. Yet, as time passes, maintaining a home can become overwhelming. Clutter accumulates, and cherished belongings can start to feel burdensome. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we understand the emotional significance of a well-organized home. Our mission is to help seniors transform their houses into serene sanctuaries filled with love and order.Understanding the Emotional Impact of ClutterClutter doesn't just take up physical space; it occupies mental and emotional space too. For seniors, every item often holds a story or memory, making it difficult to let go. However, too much clutter can lead to stress, anxiety, and even safety hazards.The Weight of MemoriesEach item in a seniors home can be a trigger for a fond memory or a significant life event. While these memories are precious, the physical accumulation of items can create a cluttered and chaotic environment. This clutter can make everyday tasks challenging and diminish the sense of peace in the home. Our approach at A Call to Order is to handle these possessions with the utmost respect and care, ensuring that memories are preserved while creating a more manageable living space.Embracing Change with CompassionChange can be daunting, especially for seniors who may have lived in their homes for decades. The thought of parting with belongings can evoke feelings of loss. Our team is trained to provide compassionate support, helping seniors make decisions that honor their past while embracing the future. We encourage keeping items that truly bring joy and serve a purpose, and we help find meaningful ways to repurpose or donate the rest.Steps to Transform a House into a Loving HomeOrganizing a seniors home is about more than just tidying up; its about creating a space that nurtures well-being and happiness. Here are some steps we follow to achieve this transformation:1. Initial Consultation and PlanningEvery senior's situation is unique, and so are their needs. We begin with a thorough consultation to understand their lifestyle, preferences, and the challenges they face. This allows us to create a personalized plan that addresses their specific needs and goals.2. Sorting and DeclutteringThe sorting process is handled with sensitivity and patience. We work closely with seniors to identify items that hold sentimental value and those that can be let go. This step is crucial in creating a more open and navigable living space. For items that are no longer needed, we provide options for donation or repurposing, ensuring they find a new home where they can continue to bring joy.3. Organizing and Creating Functional SpacesOnce the decluttering is complete, we focus on organizing the remaining items in a way that enhances accessibility and functionality. This might include rearranging furniture, creating dedicated zones for activities, and ensuring that frequently used items are within easy reach. Our goal is to create a home environment that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing.4. Personalized Touches and Memory PreservationIncorporating personal touches is key to making a house feel like home. We help seniors display cherished photographs, heirlooms, and mementos in a way that celebrates their life journey. This not only adds warmth to the home but also provides a daily source of joy and comfort.Maintaining the Love and OrderCreating an organized home is just the beginning. Maintaining this newfound order requires ongoing support and simple strategies. Here are some tips for seniors and their families:1. Regular Check-ins and AdjustmentsLife is dynamic, and needs can change over time. Regular check-ins and adjustments to the home environment ensure it continues to meet the seniors needs. This might involve seasonal decluttering, rearranging furniture for accessibility, or updating organizational systems.2. Encouraging Mindful LivingEncouraging seniors to adopt a mindful approach to their belongings can help prevent future clutter. This means being intentional about what comes into the home and regularly reassessing what is no longer needed.3. Utilizing Support NetworksFamily members, friends, and professional organizers can provide invaluable support in maintaining an organized home. Regular visits and assistance with chores can help seniors feel less overwhelmed and more connected.At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, our work goes beyond organizing spaces; its about enriching lives. We believe that every senior deserves a home filled with love, peace, and order. By transforming cluttered houses into serene sanctuaries, we help seniors rediscover the joy of living in a space that truly feels like home. With compassion, patience, and personalized care, we are here to support every step of this meaningful journey.