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!

 

Merry Christmas

It doesn't seem possible that we are days away from another Christmas.  The beautiful lights, sparkling trees and of course the eyes of the little ones so excited to see what is under the tree. 

We are so very thankful for all of our clients and their families who have trusted us with some of their most precious plans, ideas, and loved ones.  Every day is different and we so enjoy each of you.

As you get close to the gatherings, parties and joyful events, feel free to call us for that hostess gift, stocking stuffer or last minute gift.  Our gift certificates can be emailed to you and the Concierge hours can be used for more things than you can imagine. 

Just give us a call and your gift will be in your inbox ready to make someone happy. 

Our Christmas special is 2 hours for $50 ( regular price $60).  Just call us and

                                 Consider It Done!

913-205-8542 and 913-231-4025

Aging In Place

Recently we heard a presentation about how care for the aging has changed over time.  As in many things, the old is somewhat new again.  The elderly used to be cared for by families and friends or their church.  Then group homes became popular followed by the beautiful developments we see today in communities big and small.  One thing that has NOT changed is the impact available funds has to do with what care is available to us.  While touring one of the facilities in the Kansas City area,  I was told the hardest conversation they must have with clients is what happens when they run out of private pay dollars.  Unfortunately, few of the beautiful care centers have spaces for those who can no longer pay for their care.

Over a year  ago the Kansas City Star published a series of articles on "Aging In Place".  It is becoming more popular for many reasons, but in large part due to the cost of the alternative.

We are so excited about the possibility that insurance  companies are looking at helping pay for in home care for those who decide that Aging In Place is something they prefer for as long as they can.

The services we provide are helpful to families who have chosen for the loved one to stay in their home.  We would love to meet with you and talk about how we can help.

The growing need for help in caring for aging family members is the subject of many books, magazine  and newspaper articles.   Here is a link to the Star articles with information you may find helpful.

More businesses offer in-home care for the elderly - KansasCity.com

Are You A Caregiver?

The role of a "Caregiver" can look differently in every situation.  But regardless of who you talk to, if they are a "Caregiver", they are stressed and overworked.  

 Recently there have been many articles about the Sandwich Generation and even the CLUB sandwich generation.  If you google those terms, you may be surprised to find out that you fit in one of those categories. 

One of the hardest things about being a Caregiver is the amount of time that it takes AND the amount of guilt associated with the time allocation both with your family and the person you are caring for.  Fortunately in many situations there are community resources available to make life easier for EVERYONE.

So, what are those services?  Start with the Office of the Aging in your area.  They have many resources and answers to questions.  We are happy to meet and chat about what would make your life better and how we can help.  We are always happy to research questions and help our clients in any way possible.   If we don't have the answers, we will try to find them. 

If you are a Caregiver, just give us a call and find out what services we can offer to ease your stress and let your time with your loved one be enjoyable not filled with jobs to be done. 

                        Just Call and . . .   Consider It Done !

                             Heat Index 100 degrees +

                                     $20 an hour summer special

The last thing you want to do is get in a HOT car, walk across a SIZZLING parking lot and do the   shopping.  
We would be happy to do your shopping for you or with you.  We can pick you up, help you shop and take you home or we can get your list and shop for you.

                            Stay inside where it's cool and let us do your errands.

In the Good Old Summertime

The temperatures are telling us and the growing tomato plants are telling us - it is summertime.  Summertime brings many fun family times but also some challenges.  As you plan those short or long family getaways, remember our services are available to watch your pet, your house, and even check in on your parents.  Get away from the stresses, relax and leave your worries at home.  We will be happy to help make this a stress free time for you.  Just call us and . . .   Consider It Done!