Massachusetts - Greater Boston

The holiday season is a time of warmth, joy, and meaningful connections, especially for seniors who cherish memories and moments spent with loved ones. Unfortunately, the very activities that should bring joylike decorating, gathering, and gift-givingcan become overwhelming when clutter and disorganization take center stage. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we believe that a clutter-free environment can enhance the holiday spirit and create a serene atmosphere for seniors. This article explores how we can make a difference by helping seniors enjoy a seamless and joyful Christmas experience.The Importance of Decluttering for SeniorsAs the festive season approaches, many of us look forward to holiday traditions with friends and family. However, for seniors, it can be challenging to navigate an environment crowded with memories, decorations, and daily items they may no longer need. Decluttering is essential, not just for creating space but for fostering a peaceful and joyful holiday atmosphere. When we help seniors declutter, we guide them through the emotional weight attached to their belongings. Each item tells a story, from cherished holiday decorations passed down through generations to gifts that were once adored but are now forgotten. Our empathetic approach focuses on helping them make intentional decisions about what to keep and what to let go. Tips for a Meaningful Decluttering ExperienceStart Small: Begin with one room or area at a time. Focus on the most cluttered areas that require immediate attention, such as living rooms or kitchens. This methodical approach prevents feelings of being overwhelmed during the decluttering journey.Create Keepsake Containers: Encourage seniors to set aside a few cherished items in special containers. This way, they can keep meaningful items without cluttering their spaces. Make sure to label each container for easy identification.Involve Family Members: Invite family members to participate in the decluttering process. This not only reduces the emotional burden but also fosters connection. Sharing stories behind treasured items can be a heartwarming experience.Keep the Holiday Spirit Alive: As you sort through decorations, encourage seniors to curate a selection of their favorite holiday pieces. Incorporate these items into their holiday traditions to evoke nostalgia and joy without overwhelming their space.By employing these strategies, we provide seniors with the clarity and comfort they need to enjoy a peaceful holiday season.Creating a Joyful Holiday EnvironmentOnce decluttering is underway, its time to focus on decorating and creating a joyful environment. The key is to keep things simple yet festive. At A Call to Order, we specialize in transforming spaces, making them inviting for family gatherings and celebrations.Decorating Tips for a Senior-Friendly HolidayChoose a Theme: Help seniors choose a simple theme that resonates with themwhether it's traditional, modern, or whimsical. A cohesive theme can make decorating less overwhelming and more enjoyable.Opt for Lightweight Decorations: Select decorations that are easy to handle and arrange. Avoid heavy ornaments and decor that can pose hazards. Energizing the space with strings of light or simple garlands can be an effective way to enhance the festive atmosphere without overwhelming them.Incorporate Personal Touches: Encourage seniors to include personal items in their decorations. Family photos, handmade ornaments, or crafts from grandchildren can create a warm and inviting space that sparks joy and connection.Maintain Accessibility: Ensure that decorations are arranged at a height that is easy to see and reach. Seniors should feel included in the decorating process, so setup should enable their participation.Plan Gatherings: As the holidays approach, consider scheduling low-key gatherings. A cozy hot cocoa night or a holiday movie marathon with close family can create cherished memories while allowing seniors to enjoy the holiday spirit in a relaxed environment.At A Call to Order, we aim to connect with our clients deeply and meaningfully, ensuring that the spirit of giving extends beyond the holiday season. Helping seniors prepare their homes for Christmas gives them the gift of joy, connection, and solace. Wrapping Up This Christmas, let's remember that the spirit of giving can be manifested through meaningful experiences rather than material possessions. As professional organizers, our mission at A Call to Order is to make the holidays brighter and more memorable for seniors by creating spaces that radiate joy, peace, and love. Connecting emotionally with our clients leads to not only a decluttered home but also a heartwarming holiday season filled with shared moments and cherished memories. This is what we celebrate while bringing joy to seniorsbecause every moment spent in a clutter-free space is a moment of peace during the festive whirlwind of the holidays. 

When you or a loved one requires short-term rehabilitation after a hospital stay, finding the ideal center can be a challenging and time-consuming process. Selecting the right senior rehab facility is crucial to ensuring the best possible care and support during the recovery period. To help in making an informed choice, consider asking the following questions:Availability of Openings and Anticipated Discharges: Inquire about the facility's current availability for new patients and ask about anticipated discharges in the near future. This will give you insight into the center's capacity and when the rehabilitation program may begin.Insurance Coverage and Preapproval Process: Confirm that your insurance is accepted at the facility and learn about the steps required for coverage preapproval. The admissions staff should assist in determining if they are in-network for your insurance plan or help you find out.Staff Specialization: Inquire about the staff's proficiencies, particularly in areas like wound care and orthopedic treatment, which are generally considered standard aspects of care. Additionally, verify the facilitys accreditation from well-regarded organizations such as The Joint Commission (TJC) and the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), among others, to ensure the facility adheres to established healthcare standards.Therapy Sessions and Patient Care: Inquire about the amount of therapy patients typically receive. While frequency and duration will, of course, vary based on individual care plans, you may wish to ask to get a general sense.Staff-to-Patient Ratio: Learn about the staff-to-patient ratio on each shift, including the number of Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Certified Nursing Assistants compared to the patient capacity. A lower ratio often indicates more personalized care.Treatment Team Members: Find out about the other professionals involved in the recovery process besides the nursing team. Will there be a physiatrist, respiratory therapist, or wound care team available to assist in the rehabilitation care plan?Essential Items and Amenities: Check which items should be brought from home and what amenities the facility provides. For instance, the center may suggest bringing sturdy shoes and layered clothing options, among other things.Involvement of Family in Care Planning: Inquire about dates and times for regularly scheduled care planning meetings. Involving loved ones in the care-planning process is important for effective rehabilitation. Outpatient Therapy and Post-Rehab Services: Find out if the facility offers outpatient therapy and inquire about their process for setting up in-home services if needed after the short-term rehab stay is complete. Understanding these options will help you plan for life after rehabilitation.Choosing the right short-term senior rehab center requires thorough research and careful consideration. By asking the above questions and assessing the facility's capabilities, you can ensure that you or your loved one receives the care and support needed for a successful recovery. Always take the time to visit the facility, meet the staff, and get a sense of the environment to make the most informed decision.(Sidebar):How Short-Term Rehab Makes a Difference Highly skilled and qualified staff members are available 24/7 to provide continuous medical check-ups following a hospital stay, reducing the likelihood of returning to the hospital. A dedicated team of therapists and nursing staff can create a comprehensive recovery plan that addresses each residents specific needs, capabilities, and health goals. Continuous care and monitoring encompassing physical therapy, pain management, and nutritional guidance can help prevent setbacks and ensure a faster recovery. Nurses and therapists work together to facilitate a smooth transition back to regular life helping patients regain their confidence and independence while safeguarding against potential risks. Families stay involved in their loved ones healing journey and remain well-informed about the medical status, challenges, and personalized care plans and routines, working with rehab specialists toward a successful recovery.Were here to help. We welcome the opportunity to provide you with information about Mary Ann Morse Outpatient & Short-Term Inpatient Rehabilitation Services or answer any questions. Contact us at 508-433-4400 and outpatient@maryannmorse.org, or visit us at Short-Term Rehabilitation | Mary Ann Morse Healthcare Center.

God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December.This quote by JM Barrie provides a vivid example of the power of memory. Memory helps us recall wonderful events like hitting that home run in the 9th grade and the birth of a daughter. In addition to memories for major life events, much of our day relies on memory for less momentous information: remembering to pick up a prescription, remembering to pay the phone bill, telling that funny story about your trip to Florida. Through most of our lives, we can recall, with ease, information that helps us to be nostalgic with friends and complete our daily activities. As we age though, it seems remembering information can be challenging and often we are not confident in the information we recall. Everyday slip-ups, like occasionally forgetting to pick up a prescription, every once in a while forgetting the phone bill are common and, on their own, likely not indicative of a memory disorder. Other difficulties may be suggestive of something more serious. For example, becoming lost in familiar places or difficulty recognizing people you know well. Sometimes these kinds of memory problems are related to a medical condition or a progressive illness such as Alzheimer's disease. If you have concerns about your memory, it is important to tell your doctor. If someone you know is having memory problems, encourage them to talk with their doctor. Your healthcare provider may do a brief screening or may refer you to someone who has specialized training in memory testing. For those with significant memory problems, early detection can help to ensure an accurate diagnosis, provide a link to useful resources and information, and help to plan for the future. It is most important to remember to take care of yourself.This article was written by Laura Grande Ph.D., ABPP-CN. Dr. Grande is theDirector, Clinical Neuropsychology at the VA Boston Healthcare SystemIf you have served in the military, enroll in VA HEALTHCARE. You can stillhave a medical team in the community and come to the VA to see a primary care team once a year.There are many benefits you are eligible for that you arent taking advantage of.For more information call David HenckeDirectors Office, VA Boston Healthcare SystemVeterans Outreach CoordinatorO: 857-364-5934; C: 617-275-6101

Long-Term Care Costs and Rising Healthcare Costs Top the ListAs baby boomers approach retirement, many may find themselves in different economic circumstances than what they planned for. Recent economic events have taught us the downside of risk, yet careful planning can help soften the impact. Northwestern Mutual says that your retirement plan can stay on track if you focus on these six key risks.Health Care Risk. Rising medical and prescription drug costs, fewer employer-sponsored retiree benefits and limitations of Medicare are all impacting income and retirement savings. According to Medicare.gov, estimated health care costs for a 65-year-old range from $3,000 for someone in excellent health to $10,000 for someone in poor health, including premiums, deductibles and co-pays but not including long-term care, vision or dental expenses.Inflation and Taxes: With inflation reducing purchasing power and taxes impacting liquidation strategies, less money will be available to spend or invest in retirement planning.Longevity Risk: Americans are living longer and the possibility exists that they could outlive their resources. There is a 10 percent chance that a 65-year old male will live to 97 years of age and a 1 percent chance the same male will live to 105 years of age.Legacy Risk: Many Americans want to leave a legacy, making an impact beyond their lifetime by leaving a financial gift to a loved one or a charity. It is necessary to balance this desire with the need to fund an individuals retirement.-More-Six Risks to be Prepared for in Retirement Pg. 2Long-term Care Risk: The cost of care for an unexpected event, or long-term illness not covered by private insurance or Medicare is requiring more Americans to prematurely deplete their assets. A 2009 LIMRA (Life Insurance Marketing and Research Association) survey of pre-retirees and retirees aged 55 to 75 found that health care and long-term care expenses together account for between 12 and 15 percent of retirement expenses, depending on the household income[1].Market Risk: Participating in the stock market can give an individuals retirement savings and income the potential to keep pace with inflation, however, volatility in investment markets can significantly affect retirement income and savings.Article prepared by Northwestern Mutual with the cooperation of Bruce Mozinski. Bruce Mozinski is based in Southborough, MA. To contact Bruce Mozinski, please call (508) 251-7223, e-mail at bruce.mozinski@nm.com, or visit brucemozinski.com.[1] Retirement Income Trade-offs, Implications for Product Development, LIMRA, 2009