New Jersey - Ocean, Monmouth Counties

Thanksgiving is more than just a day for feasting; its a cherished occasion that invites us to reflect on gratitude, connection, and warmth. For seniors, participating in or creating meaningful traditions can foster a sense of belonging and joy. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we believe that keeping traditions alive plays a vital role in enhancing the lives of our loved ones. Lets explore some heartwarming ideas and tips to help you create special Thanksgiving traditions that seniors can treasure for years to come.Setting the Stage: Create a Warm and Inviting AtmosphereCreating the perfect Thanksgiving atmosphere begins long before the main event. Its about making your space welcoming and cozy so that everyone, especially seniors, feels at home. Decorate Thoughtfully: Choose decorations that evoke fond memories. Consider using family photos from past Thanksgivings to create a nostalgic display. Handmade crafts by grandchildren, or traditional decorations like pumpkins and autumn leaves, can add a personal touch.Reflection Zone: Set up a special area where seniors can sit comfortably and reflect on their favorite memories or share stories. Create a gratitude tree where family members can hang notes of what they are thankful for.Involve Them in Planning: Ask seniors for their input on the Thanksgiving menu or activities. Involving them in the planning process not only respects their preferences but also empowers them. Its a beautiful way for seniors to feel a connection to the holiday.Comfortable Seating: Ensure that there are comfortable seating arrangements. Invest in cushions or blankets for added warmth. Consider the mobility needs of seniors by arranging the seating to minimize any inconvenience in movement.By creating an inviting atmosphere filled with familiar sights and sounds, you can foster a sense of warmth and comfort, allowing seniors to feel part of a loving, connected family.Cherishing Traditions: Activities to Foster ConnectionThanksgiving is the perfect time to create lasting traditions that will help seniors feel included while allowing them to share some of their cherished experiences.Cooking Together: Invite seniors to share their favorite recipes and cook together. This not only creates a delicious meal but also provides an opportunity for storytelling and bonding. Encourage them to share tales of how they celebrated Thanksgiving when they were younger.Thanksgiving Memory sharing: Prior to the gathering, ask each family member to prepare a story about their favorite Thanksgiving memory or what they appreciate most about the seniors present. When everyone shares, it creates a beautiful tapestry of traditions and experiences, deepening family connections.Gratitude Circle: After your meal, gather everyone for a gratitude circle. Each person can voice what they are thankful for or a favorite memory from the past. This can be a touching moment for seniors, reinforcing their importance in the family and leaving them feeling cherished.Creating a Memory Book: Start a family Thanksgiving memory book where everyone can contribute their thoughts, photos, and drawings each year. Involving seniors in this activity ensures they feel vital and valued within the family legacy. Crafting: Create holiday crafts together, like making festive table centerpieces or card decorations. This activity can ignite creativity and ensure everyone feels included in the holiday preparations.Thanksgiving is a time to reflect, celebrate, and create unforgettable memories together. By focusing on traditions that foster connectedness and joy, you can create a Thanksgiving experience that speaks to the heart of what the holiday truly represents.At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we understand the importance of environment and connection in enhancing the lives of our loved ones. This Thanksgiving, lets join together to create cherished moments that warm the heart and build lasting memories for seniors, transforming the holiday into a loving celebration. May your Thanksgiving be filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments that you and your family will remember for years to come. Happy Thanksgiving!

Understanding Transfer Trauma  Moving to a new place is usually filled with a mix of excitement, apprehension and stress. But for those living with Alzheimers disease or dementia, a transition to a new community can trigger a huge range of reactions.  What is transfer trauma? Those facing Alzheimers or dementia who are in the early stages of the disease may encounter this type of trauma especially if they are leaving a familiar home and moving to a new community. Symptoms may be mild or severe and can include sadness, anger, anxiety and depression. There can be more confusion than normal, sleeplessness, poor appetite and even nausea. Family and friends may see the transfer trauma last for a few days or several weeks.  How to Plan the Move You can help mitigate transfer trauma by working with the persons family members, caregivers and healthcare team. Finding the right community for the person and making sure they have the appropriate level of care should also be considered.  Using a professional move management company that specializes in senior moving services can also help. The team at WayForth understands the emotional and physical challenges of a move like this and can help with several services such as downsizing, packing and unpacking, and space planning to lessen the stress on the person moving as well as their family.  Making a Loved One Feel Comfortable Encouraging them to do familiar chores such as making coffee or watching a movie in their new space can help them feel at home.  Joining an Alzheimers support group where you can talk with other families who are experiencing similar things that you are going through can help.  WayForth is a certified senior move management company here to make your transition stress and hassle-free. Our moving professionals handle everything from downsizing, packing and unpacking, to storage. Contact us today at 817-697-4478 or go to our website to learn more!

Have you created an estate plan for yourself? Estate planning doesnt have to be overwhelming, nerve-wracking or boring. Its simply a method to outline your intentions for your assets and possessions if you are not able to take care of yourself or pass away.  Why do you need an estate plan? It gives you control now over events in the future. It can involve everything from who receives your financial assets and who your possessions are given to. Distributing possessions is often one of the hardest and most emotional parts of a loved ones passing. Having a complete inventory and clear direction makes things go much smoother for the remaining family members.  Another word that you need to know as you step into estate planning is probate. This is the legal process that administers and divides your estate according to your plan or local laws. Probate is the step in the process when any outstanding debts are paid, and other disputes are settled. This is the time when paperwork with the courts or localities is done, and assets are distributed if necessary.  How does WayForth fit in? Having a home inventory is helpful when all involved parties need to understand the value of the estate or decide what to keep and what to pass on or donate. WayForth will create a complete, detailed inventory for large and small estates and can also help with downsizing, coordinating donations, and clear-out and prep for sale services to help with your estate.   For help with your next move, contact WayForth's moving professionals today. Call us at 817-697-4478 or go to our website to learn more! 

If youve ever moved, you know its a huge job. Sorting, packing, organizing and dealing with a mover and other vendors takes large amounts of time and energy. But, what about the emotional challenge of moving?  To help you make the most of your experience and lower your stress levels, check out some of our most valuable tips for coping with emotions associated with moving: Acknowledge your feelings and emotions Allow yourself to feel your emotions, to avoid a breakdown. Ask for help Moving is a big deal. Ask friends and family to help you pack and deal with the emotionality of moving. Be thoughtful as you go through your possessions Take the time upfront to sort your items and determine whether to save, donate, or toss to avoid any frustrations later. Take time to really see your surroundings Your home is full of memories. Take time from your organizing and moving to remember all the important things that happened there.  Look ahead Take a trip to your new neighborhood or community and visit local spots. Your move is a new opportunity for discovery and growth.  Speak up During a move, its easy to feel overwhelmed and be swayed by others opinions. Remember to communicate your needs clearly.  Reserve some time for yourself Make sure that you schedule some down time. Breaks can keep your emotional and physical energy going through the moving process.   If youd like to learn how the professionals at WayForth can help with all the aspects of moving such as floor planning, packing and unpacking, downsizing, storage solutions, and more. Contact our experts at 817-697-4478 or go to our website to get started!