The Holidays - 2013

 

October is not even half over and we are already thinking about Holiday plans.

Decorating, party planning, invitations, menus, shopping . . .

It can make your head spin!

 

Take a deep breath, and decide what is most important to you.

 

If enjoying the holiday with your family is at the top of the list,

 

Call us and let us do the work.

 

 

Then . . .

 

Consider It Done!

 

Shopping

For some of us shopping is therapy, for others energizing, and yet others DREAD the process.
Whether it is change in season, change in size (hate that one), or just need to update your wardrobe, we can help.  Shopping with or for individuals who aren't able or just don't like to shop is a process.
Here are some tips:

1.  Look at what you have that works for you.
2.  Take care of mending, alteration, laundry and dry cleaning.
3.  Put what you already have into outfits to see what is still needed.
4.  Look in magazines or online and see what is currently available and pick some styles, colors and looks that you like.
5.  Make a list by type of clothing of what you want to add to your wardrobe. 
6.  Take your measurements - I know I hate that part - and be realistic about what size you need.

TIME TO SHOP

If you don't have the time, or just don't like shopping, just call us and we can help.  If you parents are needing some help with clothing choices, we can help with that also.

 

We can come and go through the process of preparing to shop, do your shopping with you or shop and bring it to you for a "fashion show".  We can put outfits together for you and do returns, exchanges whatever you need. 

Just give us a call and . . . Consider It Done!

 

 

Moving / Downsizing

 We Can Help!!!

My husband and I just finished moving out of our 2 story home WITH finished basement in which we enjoyed 21 years of Junior High, Senior High, College, and even grandchildren memories. 

If this sounds like something you are considering and you have lived in your home for more than 10 years - this is a warning.  BE PREPARED for this to take much longer than you thought it might.  First of all there are the boxes marked memories - and there are at least 2 for each member of the family.  Then there are the toys you saved from your children that your grandchildren are now enthralled with.  Then if you are like me, there is all the things you brought home when you retired - teachers especially have tons of this . 

Having JUST had this experience, there are many things I would do differently and I want to help you avoid the pitfalls I found.

We can be your MOVING CONSULTANTS!

That means everything from getting bids from movers, to stopping and starting utilities, to arranging for care of pets or children during the moving days, refreshments during the move, cleaning the house AFTER you are gone so you don't have to do that.  If you are moving locally, making arrangements for small rental truck for all those little loads that need to be moved AFTER the movers take the big stuff.  Working with seller and buyer agent to make sure house meets agreed upon points of concern. 

Yes - we can take the stress out of your move.  No, you can't go to a movie or out of town probably, but we will be there to make sure your moving day is as painless as possible. 

Downsizing or moving is difficult at best .  However, we will do all we can to make it run smoothly.

So . . . .

Just call us and . . .

Consider It Done!

913-205-8542    913-231-4025

Gift Baskets

We are approaching the time of the year when it seems we are needing a gift frequently to celebrate with family and friends.  Mother's day, end of school year, graduation, Father's day all of these celebrations and more where you want to remember someone who is special to you.

At Consider It Done, LLC we can help .  It can be as easy as a gift certificate of our services - emailed to you or the individual you are buying for.  It can also be a gift basket of favorite things or pick up  and delivery for a surprise Spa Day.  We are your on-call Concierge and we are available to make your gift the best surprise ever!

Just call and . . . Consider It Done!  913-205-8542 and 913-231-4025.

Transition

Today I watched another lovely client adjust to "the move" from Independent Living to Assisted Living.  This is not the first time nor I am sure the last, but every time I observe this transition, I know that the journey has its up and downs, twists and turns and for all parties a bit of a roller coaster ride.  It also reminds me of the reason I chose to start this business - to be there for families when there are hard times and they ALL just need someone to share the load.

If you know this transition is in your future, here are some things to consider. 

• First of all, if dementia is a part of the equation expect a sharp decline and know that lots of time and energy will be spent answering the same questions over and over again. Where am I?  When am I going back to former location?  Where are my things - purse, wallet, etc.
• They will feel "lost or missing" from the life they have left and this new world just is more than they can handle.
• If possible take them to the new location several times prior to the move.  Yes, they will forget, but possibly something will look familiar when they come back to stay.
• Before you bring your loved one to their new home to stay, take things that are very familiar - from their past and set up their NEW place with these items that will ground them and help them feel connected.  Most care locations encourage residents to put something familiar outside their door to help them remember where their "Home" is located.  For each transition, take that item because they will be looking for it. 
• Make sure that the place you have selected for your loved one has a plan in place to help your family member adjust to this new Home.  ( walk them to meals, take them to activities, introduce them to neighbors - many times - find out a bit about them to help them feel welcome)  There should be someone on every shift for the first few days that makes a special connection and is there to answer questions, calm nerves and be the one who listens to find out what they REALLY need.
• Invite family and friends to stop by during the first few days to help repeat the tour of the New Home because each time the tour is completed something will be added to the list of things they remember. 
• Making new memories is a bit of a challenge, so spend lots of time talking about old furniture, pictures, memories and the past.  That is where those with trouble remembering things that happen today find comfort.
• Put a journal in plain site for visitors to leave messages for those who follow. Just a quick not telling about your visit helps family and friends stay in touch with what is going on and how they can help.

             Ex.  I visited Aunt Sue today and she seemed very sad.  I suggested we look
            at an album of photos and she perked right up.  It is amazing she knows every
            one's name.  I did notice that when I walked with her to lunch that she kept
            moving the walker to the right.  I mentioned it to the nurse on her floor.

• Remember ALL the senses are diminished especially taste so flowers or lotion in a scent your loved one likes is a great idea.
• Whenever possible, go OUTSIDE!  Of course safety is uppermost in making this decision but most locations have a garden area or just go out for a sandwich.  We have one client who LOVES Sonic drinks and we take her often.  We just sit and chat and drink our limeades and it makes her day.

I am sure there are many ideas YOU could share.  Please do so in our comments section.  We LOVE hearing what works from the experts - that is you.

We at Consider It Done are here to make transitions easier and can research different locations for you as well as pack and calm nervous loved ones.  Feel free to call us and . . .
                
                                                    Consider It Done!