ORGANIZING FOR MOBILITY AND LOW VISION

ORGANIZING FOR EASY MOBILITY

Most of the above tips related to an aging parent who lives at home or retirement facility. How do they decide which is best for them?
Can they do things without outside help?
Do they have a social life?

Do they need transportation assistance? Many senior centers are great resources. Senior centers have great activities for any age.
Can they pay bills? Many of my clients are losing vision, can't write checks, and don't want the family to know. Working with in home care is a great help. They can sort out the promotional items in the mail and toss them. They can review doctor billing mail as a sign of past due accounts. They need to ask for approval to let the family help pay those bills. There are tricks to that also.

If they need to move but don't want to, such as early Alzheimers, moving is necessary. Eventually they won't remember the move. Their safety comes first.

ADULT CHILDREN:

Take time for a movie or lunch with your aging parent.

Don't forget you need time out for a massage, movie with friends, good book etc.
Remember everyone wants to FEEL INDEPENDENT AND VALUED.

Physical challenges happen at any age. I help people find daily living aid products for arthritis, cancer, mobility, vision, hearing, MS and other challenges. You would be amazed how they make life easier and can't be found in the local medical supply store. Search the Internet yourself. I am here is you need me.

HOPE ALL THIS HAS BEEN HELPFUL! I have written a care guide for babyboomers on starting a healthy lifestyle, financial planning and options when we age. If you are interested in downsizing or purchasing the guide: http://www.lulu.com/eldercareconcierge

LOSING A LOVED ONE!

This is a very emotional time for the surviving spouse. There are choices to be made?

• How to keep the memory of the loved one?


• Do you move or stay in the home?


• Who will do the finances and take care of repairs?


• How will my lifestyle change?


• Who will cook for the holidays now?


• When is it appropriate to remove their clothing from the closets and remove things like their medications?

There is no reason to make these decisions for the next few months. Don't let family rush you but don't wait past this time.

• MONTH #1: It is important to make the home yours as soon as possible. It does not help to see the items day after day. Make one room amd temporary memory room for the deceased spouse. Put approprite pictures on the walls. Move clothing into this room.


• 6 MONTHS TO A YEAR: Start working with family to give them items of memory for they. As if they want it first. Set aside items of memory that you are not yet willing to part with. Get a garbage bag for the rest either to donate or trash.


• BOX UP ITEMS NOT BEING USED IMMEDIATELY


• Ask for outside help if needed. Families tend to fight or push the surviving parent.

WHILE ON A WAITING LIST OR IN A NURSING HOME

Most families wait until last minute to downsize. This puts pressure on everyone. The adult parent is forced to make instant decisions about what to keep or toss. The other side of the situation is that adult children make the decisions and take away that feeling of INDEPENDENCE.

• Separate clothing, dishes, medications used every day. These are for moving.
• Separate old medications and give to pharmacies for disposal. Put medications in a nice basket or similar place for easy access.
• Items that are not used can be boxed and labels. I like the plastic boxes because then you can see what is inside. Lifestyles change and one box can hold dressy purses, shoes, and related items for once a year use. This does not take up closet space.
• Only items that fit and are used should go into the closet. It is amazing to see what the outcome of this simple step is.
• If meals on wheels is now used, get rid of pots and pans.
• Use this space for easy to reach items that won't catch fire.
• Now you can move these items and save money with the moving company.
• Unpack items upon moving that must be used that day. Take time with the rest. DON'T PUT ADDED PRESSURE ON EVERYONE.

IN A NURSING HOME:

• Many times families don't know if the aging parent will return home until the last minute.
• Many of the above steps apply during that free time waiting. You are ready for anything this way without pressure.
• If the parent returns, you have the kitchen items moved down for easy access. New medications replace old medications.
• The bed is made up and the bathroom is not cluttered.
• The furniture is arranged so that that bed is near the bathroom. No tables are in the way. You get the idea.
• Taking out the trash may be difficult for them now. Small garbage bags put into a large garbage pail is great.
• Should the aging parent not return, you are ready for the move.