Aging in Place, the Lifestyle Trend for 2017

"Aging in place" has become such a common term and lifestyle strategy that there is now a National Aging in Place Council!  The idea of being able to stay in one's home for as long as is feasible is certainly no surprise and is very understandable.  So, just how does one do this in the most efficient, well thought out manner?  

Typically, your choices for elder care include:  family, senior living facilities, or remaining at home , aka "aging in place".   According to the AARP "87 percent of adults age 65+ want to stay in their current home and community as they age".  What is important to know is that this trend is more than just making the decision to stay home vs. moving to a senior community.  There are a variety of factors that should be considered  before making the final decision.  

1.  What are your physical, mental and emotional states?  Although you may currently be able to say that all systems are operating at 90%  or better on most days, what does the future hold for you?  While not trying to focus on the negative, it is essential that you look down the road in this regard.  Being able to plan for future events will pay off as you age.

2.  Following in line with #1, does your doctor have a strong opinion on this?  If you have not visited your primary care physician in a while, now may be the time to do so.  Doing so will allow you to make any appropriate adjustments necessary to continue living where you are.  

3.  What is the condition of your home?  Consider your doctor's advice, as well as carefully assess your home to determine what adjustments will be necessary.  Again, you will need to look a bit beyond your current state of health, and consider how things may change for you in the future.  Your home may be cluttered with unnecessary items which, in turn, may pose safety hazards.  A senior move manager will be able to help you get your home to a suitable condition for your age in place plans.  

4.  Technology.  There are some great technological tools available to you, designed specifically for those who would like to age in place.  These range from the low-tech (grabbers, magnifiers and grab bars) to higher-tech (including in-home health monitoring devices) devices.   

5.  Actually visit some of the local senior communities in your area.  Ask for a tour, or drop in on an open house.  Make an effort to speak with residents, asking them not only whether or not they like the facility, but also inquire about their "journey" -- how did they arrive at the decision to move there?  Does the monthly activities calendar look interesting?  Or are the activities nothing more than what you are currently doing?

6.  Speak with your family and listen to their thoughts.  Although you may not want to hear what they have to say, rest assured that they only have your best interests, health and safety in mind.  Respect that they may not be able to take care of you if there are physical or  medical needs now or as time goes on.

Regardless of whether you decide to age in place, move in with a family member or move into a senior community, having a plan of action will be helpful in guiding you as you proceed forward.  

5 Steps to Getting Organized in 2017

5 Steps to Getting Organized in 2017

The good news?  You will be permitted to eat all the chocolate that you would like!

The bad news?  You will be de-cluttering! (Maybe while eating some of that chocolate!)

It’s that time of year when we make our resolutions and vow to stick with them.  Really, really stick with them.  No cheating, no half-commitments, no procrastination, no stopping half of the way through 2017.  This will be the year that we say what we mean, and mean what we say.

Without further ado, here are your decluttering orders for the year:

1. Start in the areas where you live -- think:  kitchen, family room and bedroom.

2. Separate things into items that you keep, those that will be donated, items for trash, family/friends, etc. Consider having either designated areas for these things, or boxes in which to place them.   

3. Empty and organize every cabinet, closet and drawer.  Examine the contents carefully to determine what you actually use and need.  Refer back to step #2 as you go along.

4. Once your primary areas of the home have been thoroughly, you are permitted to begin work in other areas of the home.  Lather, rinse, repeat.

5. Allow yourself time to perform each of these steps.  You are not expected to get this all done in a day or even a weekend, especially if this is done properly and effectively.  You are expected to go about living your daily life.  

This list and video from Apartment Therapy addresses what not to do when decluttering.  Fans of Oprah Winfrey will be familiar with her frequent contributor Peter Walsh and his organizing tips.

Still not convinced that downsizing is in your future?  Besides making it easier to find things, there are other benefits.  Click here to read more on the advantages of decluttering your home.  

Congratulations!  There is light at the end of the tunnel … and, if you’re lucky,  chocolate!

Happy New Year!

Downsizing and Organizing:  Trick, or Treat?

This month, as a nod to Halloween, we have compiled our top “tricks” and the “treats” of organizing and downsizing.  Take a good look at the list of “tricks” -- these are some common tips that we use to assist in the process.  The “treats” will encourage you to get started on the journey!  

Tricks:  

Organizational pieces

There are a variety of products out there that you can purchase and will indeed help get the organization of your home under way.  Do not break the bank by purchasing them if not needed.   Get creative! Over the door organizers can be used to hold anything:  toiletries, hats, gloves, magazines, ties, and, of course, shoes!

Visit your local dollar store and re-imagine what an ice cube tray can hold (think small, think jewelry).  How about picking up some storage buckets, in a variety of sizes, that can hold lotions under your bathroom sink!  

Multi-purpose pieces of furniture are essential to the downsizing process.  There are now foot stools that have removable or hinged tops, providing a nice storage area underneath.  Toss your couch throws and extra pillows in there.   A cute side table does not always have to be in the living room.  Bring it into your bedroom to replace a bulkier night stand.  Before you decide to give something away, re-imagine another use for it, and then use it in that new capacity!

Time:

This is by far the biggest favor that you can do for yourself.  This process will take more time than you think.  Be realistic about how much time it will take, as well as the amount of time that you are willing to spend doing it.  Keep in mind that charities that will pick up your items are, in general, booking 3-4 weeks out.  If you want to drop items off at a charity, call ahead to ensure that they will take your items.  Finally, allow yourself and your family time to adjust to all that goes into downsizing.  

Resources

Have a list of resources that you plan to reach out to.  This is to include, but not limited to:  book dealers, auctioneers, trash removal, paper shredding services and charities.  Again, be certain to know what each service will provide.  When speaking with charities, be very clear with what they are in need of, as well as any parameters they may have on the donations accepted

Treat:

By far, the greatest treat that you will get from going through the process is the peace of mind that it will bring you.  Being in a more organized home is,  intrinsically soothing.  If you were able to donate some of your things you will know that you have helped someone in need.  Hopefully, along the way there were also family members who gladly accepted some of your treasures, keeping them in the family.  

The Things I've Learned

5 Things I’ve Learned

Organize Senior Moves is proud to say that we’ve been in business for over 5 years, with more than 500 jobs in the books!  This has been a fantastic opportunity to learn about more about myself as well as my clients.  Below you will find a short list of things that our team has learned over the years.

1. You can never begin to downsize too early.  Whether you are planning to move a month  from now or a year from now -- begin the process of downsizing!  It will take longer than you think, especially if you are planning to work on your own.

2. Give yourself time.  Although similar to #1, there is a difference.  Here we are talking about the time it will take to line up the various tasks that will be needed to downsize efficiently.  It is important to be realistic about the amount of time you can spend on this process.  Do not plan to spend more than 2 hours at a time on this if you will be working alone.

3. Research your resources.  Be sure to consider and investigate all of the resources that you may need.  Get recommendations from friends and websites such as Angie’s list and Yelp.  When contacting the resources, have a general idea of what your timeline is, and ensure that the contact is able to meet your needs.    

4. Expect the unexpected.  This can be interpreted two different ways:  First, as you sort through years of accumulation you will come across things that you  have not seen in years (the good, the bad and the ugly).  Be prepared to respond accordingly.  Secondly, anticipate that their will be a bump in the “downsizing road” at some point.  Again, be prepared to respond accordingly.  

5. Ask for help.  This includes family and friends.  Senior move managers such as Organize Senior Moves are an especially valuable resource, able to establish a timeline and work schedule to help you meet your deadlines.  

Can I Cheat on Mother Nature?

A few years ago, when I was first beginning as a senior move manager, I was in a senior community helping a client move.  I came across two elderly women chatting in the hallway.  Their conversation seemed to exist mainly of comparing stories of their aches and pains.  As I passed by I overheard one woman say to the other, “Getting old is hell!”  I often think of these two ladies when something in my own body doesn’t feel quite right.  If you find yourself identifying with these women, fear not!  There are steps that you can take to mentally and emotionally ease into Mother Nature’s plans for you.  

Step One:  Honestly assess your health.  If you have not been to the doctor for a physical within the last year, call for an appointment.  Be proactive in your health care.  

Step Two:  Make both short term and long term plans in regards to your home.  Do you want to stay in the home as long as you can?  Keep in mind not only the safety of your home, but also the upkeep of it.  Would you prefer to be in a smaller home, possibly a senior living community?

Step Three:  Using both Step One and Step Two as a guideline, make proper adjustments to your health and your home.  What is crucial when making changes is that you provide yourself with enough time to accomplish what you have set out to do.  Be realistic about the amount of time each task will take.

When you’ve arrived at Step Two, give some serious thought to hiring a senior move manager to assist you with all that will follow.  Although a move may not be in your immediate plans, this person will be able to help you achieve your goals in a reasonable fashion, reducing the stress that is often associated with decluttering and/or moving.  A senior move manager such as Organize Senior Moves (Albany and Saratoga, NY as well as Charleston, SC) is available to help with this process.  You can also visit the National Association of Senior Move Managers website (https://www.nasmm.org/)  to find a senior move manager in your area.  

So, do not bother to engage Mother Nature in a battle that you will lose.  Make the most of what is available to you, and have her come back at a later time!

At Your Service

At Your Service

 

Although senior move managers have been around since the late 1990s, very few people are aware of (a) their existence or (b) what they do.  The following questions are those that we are frequently asked:

I am not moving, are you able to help me?  The primary role of a senior move manager is to help their clients transition from one home to another.  However, some senior move managers are able to offer just a downsizing and/or organizational services.  Senior move managers are usually able to help you develop an “age in place” plan. Organize Senior Moves will work with you to accomplish whatever you need to have done.

I cannot take everything with me, what should I do?  Clients frequently have items that they cannot take with them.  Senior move managers make an effort to help their clients either sell or donate items that are not being moved to the new home.  Organize Senior Moves has a wide range of resources to accommodate most of our clients' needs. Keep in mind that the ability to sell and donate items is often dependent upon the time frame being considered.  In regards to donations, some charities require that donated furniture be in very good condition; call ahead to see what clothing is being accepted.  

How far ahead should I plan to get in touch with a senior move manager?  In general, senior move managers prefer to be contacted as soon as you know that you will be moving.  It is not necessary to have a move in date established.  We can help you start the downsizing process.  Advance notice will also allow time to sell and donate items in an orderly manner.  

I am able to do some of these things myself.  Why should I use a senior move manager?  To the extent that you are able, senior move managers will give you “homework” to do between their visits.  A senior move manager will work with you to help you develop an overall plan for your move.  This includes helping to decide the items that will go with you to the new home, coordinate outside resources and pack and unpack you in one day.  Senior move managers’ main goal is to make your transition go as smoothly as possible.




Organize Senior Moves is a senior move management company dedicated to making moves easier for the senior population. Visit Organize Senior Moves at:

http://www.organizeseniormoves.com/