Tag: Decluttering

Kelley talks about how the conversation often goes, when Mom first sees a potential model unit. You know she'll need a couch, bed, table and chairs, nightstand — no brainers. But she sees no room for the things that matter to her. If her little crystal animals are that important to her, find a way to bring them. It's not whether she uses it or not, it's something that connects her to something she loves. The move itself is traumatic enough, so be kind and listen to what she wants. Honor her for who she is; it's important to her. Have those conversations with the community. The more people share, the more the community can help.

This segment focuses on beginning stages, and putting the plan in action. First: we're downsizing for a reason, whether Mom is moving in with an adult child, moving into an assisted living facility. Look at the space she's moving into and assess how much space is available. Visit model units to get an idea of what would work in the space, to see if Mom's couch will actually fit.

Kelley talks about how we can help our parents and ourselves so we don't leave a lot of clutter for our own children to deal with. When a family member downsizes from a 2,000 square foot home to a 900-1200 square foot retirement apartment, or to an independent living or assisted living apartment, now you're looking at 500-700 square feet of space, or smaller depending on the apartment. You have to weigh what's important to keep, and it will be home — you want to bring your things so it feels like home. Many people in a home look at the challenge and don't even know how to begin downsizing. If you have a senior loved one, or have mobility issues, it can seem an overwhelming challenge. This hour will talk about how to begin, and what to expect regarding amenities when you move into senior living, and how can you leave a legacy for your community.

On this Thanksgiving holiday weekend, Suzanne is joined by Suzanne Allbee and Kristen Christian at Bee Organized Seattle about the benefits, simplicity and peace...

On this Thanksgiving holiday weekend, Suzanne is joined by Suzanne Allbee and Kristen Christian at Bee Organized Seattle about the benefits, simplicity and peace...

On this Thanksgiving holiday weekend, Suzanne is joined by Suzanne Allbee and Kristen Christian at Bee Organized Seattle about the benefits, simplicity and peace...

On this Thanksgiving holiday weekend, Suzanne is joined by Suzanne Allbee and Kristen Christian to talk about how to prevent chaos from building up...

This article appeared in The New York Times in print on June 4, 2018. “A study published last year found that among adults over 70 who practiced...

As this month's theme is Adaptive Living, I truly believe that the first layer to creating a living space that works for seniors is...

Fall is time when weather kicks up and we should get a head start on preventing falls. Colette Roberge at CarePartners Senior Living point our there are many hazards around the home or that seniors are doing that can cause falls. What medications are they taking? Are some combinations making them dizzy? Fall is good time for a follow-up with the doctor to assess all their medications. Colder weather brings arthritis, which can also bring falls, and there are also wet decks, icy walks.