Colorado - Northern

Life is full of transitions, each presenting its own set of challenges and opportunities. Whether you're downsizing to a smaller home, moving to a new city, or navigating the complexities of aging, these transitions can often feel overwhelming. At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we understand the emotional weight of life's transitions and the importance of approaching them with care and compassion. In this guide, we'll explore how professional organizers can provide the gentle touch needed to simplify life's transitions and help you navigate these changes with ease.The Emotional Impact of Life's TransitionsLife's transitions can evoke a wide range of emotions, from excitement and anticipation to anxiety and uncertainty. Whether it's a relocation, downsizing, or adjusting to a new stage of life, these transitions often come with a sense of loss and upheaval. It's essential to acknowledge and honor these emotions as you navigate through change. Professional organizers understand the emotional toll of transitions and are equipped to provide the support and guidance needed to navigate them with grace and resilience.Practical Tips for Simplifying Life's TransitionsStart Early and Plan Ahead: One of the keys to simplifying life's transitions is to start early and plan ahead. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare for the upcoming change, whether it's a move, downsizing, or transition to a new living arrangement. Create a timeline and checklist of tasks to help you stay organized and on track. By breaking down the process into manageable steps, you can alleviate stress and ensure a smoother transition.Declutter and Downsize with Compassion: Downsizing can be an emotional process, especially if you're parting with belongings that hold sentimental value. Approach decluttering and downsizing with compassion and empathy, allowing yourself to let go of items that no longer serve a purpose or bring you joy. Professional organizers can offer support and guidance throughout this process, helping you make thoughtful decisions about what to keep, donate, or discard.Create a Support System: Surround yourself with a strong support system of friends, family, and professionals who can offer assistance and encouragement during life's transitions. Lean on your support network for emotional support, practical help with tasks, and reassurance during moments of doubt or uncertainty. Professional organizers can serve as valuable members of your support system, providing expertise, resources, and a compassionate presence to guide you through the transition.Focus on Self-Care: During times of transition, it's essential to prioritize self-care and well-being. Make time for activities that nourish your body, mind, and spirit, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones. Practice self-compassion and kindness towards yourself as you navigate through change, recognizing that transitions can be challenging but also offer opportunities for growth and transformation.Embrace the Journey: Life's transitions may not always go according to plan, and that's okay. Embrace the journey and approach each new experience with an open mind and heart. Be flexible and adaptable in the face of unexpected challenges, and trust in your ability to navigate through uncertainty with resilience and grace. Remember that transitions are an inherent part of life's journey, and each one offers valuable lessons and opportunities for personal growth.At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we understand that life's transitions can be emotionally challenging, but we're here to offer the gentle touch and support needed to simplify the process. Our compassionate team of professional organizers is dedicated to helping you navigate through life's transitions with ease and grace. With our personalized approach and expertise, we'll guide you through the decluttering, downsizing, and organizing process, ensuring that your transition is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Let us be your trusted partner in simplifying life's transitions, providing the gentle touch and support you need to navigate through change with confidence and resilience.

I have just spent the last two months as the interim manager of an independent living. My take away from that time is still on my mind.Residents at my facility had been in the building for either a few months or up to 14 years. Each of their apartments was decorated as uniquely as they are. Some spent quite a bit of time and talent in displaying their statement at the front doors of their apartments. I have gone over and back in my mind what will my statement be? The most fun that I had was spent with the residents. They are current and engaged. There is a dichotomy in their passion for the world. They are worried about the changes they see. Yet, celebrate the progress and the swiftness in which the world now operates.The feeling that has settled into my soul is the community the residents have made for each other. If you are a new resident they want you to know how it all works so that you can be a happy and engaged member of your new world. Cards are sent to residents who are not feeling well. Prayers are said for those who would benefit from more support.Joking and laughter are the order of the day. At the monthly birthday celebration, a resident told me that she had decided to get dressed up put on her half girdle! A resident checked us out by staying in a guest apartment. She was waiting for our van to take a group to the grocery store. She asked if I thought she could handle shopping for herself. She stated she had not shopped for herself in two years. I encouraged her to give it a try!Later on, I saw her pushing the grocery cart having put her own groceries away she had purchased. The smile on her face and the sense of pride in being able to do more for her (at 92!) was exhilarating for both of us to witness. She is now working out the details to join in the community of independent living.I truly believe that we extend the life of those who are in the 80s and 90s by the amenities, lifestyle, companionship, and camaraderie offered in the amazing world of independent living. I am still honored to have spent my summer as the interim manager.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Yvonne Myers, she is the Health Systems Director with Columbine Health Systems and may be reached at 970-482-0198 or by email at yvonne.myers@columbinehealth.com.

In the realm of crafting comfort and promoting a sense of order, A Call to Order Professional Organizer stands out as a beacon of expertise, specializing in Senior Organizing Solutions. Our mission is to unveil the potential for tranquility and ease in the lives of seniors by meticulously organizing their living spaces. Our guiding principle is rooted in compassion and practicality, recognizing the unique needs of seniors and tailoring our services to create personalized, efficient solutions.As you embark on the journey of senior organizing, consider the following tips to enhance the process. Firstly, prioritize sentimental items and incorporate them into the organization plan, ensuring a balance between functionality and emotional connection. Secondly, make use of accessible storage solutions to simplify daily routines. A Call to Order emphasizes a gentle and collaborative approach, ensuring that the organizing process is not only effective but also a positive experience for seniors. Crafting comfort through thoughtful organization is not just a service; it's a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our cherished seniors. A Call to Order Professional Organizer: Crafting Comfort: Senior Organizing Solutions Unveiled - because every moment deserves the tranquility of order.

Caring for a loved one with dementia presents unique challenges that can be overwhelming. It means coping not just with the loved one's illness and the huge life changes that will come, but with the caregiver's own feelings and struggles too.  Keeping a detailed journal is an organized way to record the progress and effects of the patient's dementia helpful information for their doctors. But it can also provide emotional and psychological benefits for caregivers themselves. Whether you're caring for someone with dementia or another illness, here are some things to consider when keeping a journal.  What To Track in Your Journal  Why record what the dementia patient is experiencing? Two reasons: because it will help their doctors and because it will help the caregiver understand and adapt to the effects of the disease.   Daily activities and behaviors: Note any changes in mood, unusual behaviors, or shifts in routine. This can help identify triggers for agitation or anxiety and reveal patterns or changes over time.   Medications and side effects: Record the times and doses of medications. If their medications change, note any side effects or noticeable changes in the person's condition. This can be crucial for managing the drugs' effectiveness and any potential drug interactions.   Eating and drinking habits: What and how much is your loved one eating and drinking? Tracking this information can help prevent malnutrition and dehydration, which are common issues in people with dementia.   Physical health and symptoms: Record any physical symptoms, such as coughs, changes in mobility, or signs of discomfort. This information can be vital for detecting emerging health issues that may not be directly related to dementia.   Sleep patterns: How much and how well are they sleeping? Do they wake up during the night? Sleep disturbances can exacerbate the symptoms of dementia and affect the health of both the caregiver and the patient.   Falls: Research shows that falls are not only more common among people with dementia, but they can also accelerate cognitive decline. Details about any falls-where, when, and how they occurred-are important information for the doctors.  Journaling: A Safe Space and a Helpful Tool  Keeping a journal helps the caregiver process the complex emotions they're likely experiencing. A journal is a private, safe space where the caregiver can express frustrations, celebrate successes, and acknowledge hardships. Journaling can help them protect their mental health stability, which in turn can help them feel better able to support their loved one effectively.  A journal can also be a place for the caregiver to track the effectiveness of care strategies and treatments. For example, the caregiver may notice that the timing of dinner is causing their loved one distress. Their notes can help them adjust their caregiving as needed.  The caregiver may even decide to keep two separate journals-one for themselves and the other journal (or calendar) about their loved one's condition.  "There is something about recording what is happening to us and our emotional reactions that enables family caregivers to stand apart from the onrush of tasks and crises they're immersed in," said Barry J. Jacobs in an article for AARP. A caregiver himself, Jacobs noted that journaling can help the writer "feel more in control."  How the Journal Can Help Doctors  A detailed journal is a valuable resource during medical appointments. It provides data and examples that help doctors understand the patient's current state beyond what a memory recall or short visit can reveal. This is crucial in diagnosing issues, adjusting medications, or changing treatment plans.  Doctors rely on accurate, detailed information to make informed decisions about treatments and care strategies. For example, if the journal shows that the patient has fallen repeatedly, the doctor may use that information to assess the patient's need for mobility aids, physical therapy, or further neurological evaluation. The doctor may end up identifying a treatable condition, such as an inner ear disorder or vision problems.  Moreover, the journal can help identify early signs of complications or side effects of medications that the patient might not be able to express because of their cognitive condition. This helps the doctor make a change before the complications cause a potentially serious health issue.  Write for Them and for Yourself  Keeping a journal is a simple yet effective tool that can greatly improve the caregiving experience for those managing the care of someone with dementia. You'll help not just your loved one, but yourself as well. Do it in whatever way works best for you. "This is not a school assignment," Jacobs reminds other caregivers. "No one is grading you. Just empty the contents of your mind without judging yourself." If you have any questions, please call Right at Home at 970-494-1111.