ORGANIZE YOUR LIFE - SENIOR RESOURCES AND MORE
My mom lived with me for 18 years and was quite active until the last five years of her life. The gradual changes in her physical capabilities during those last few years were often simple and sometimes challenging. We had to make multiple changes to my home. Thankfully, she also got her papers in order so her last wishes could be fulfilled, which gave us both peace of mind. As I am aging, I appreciate the modifications and preparations we made that have helped me through surgeries, as well as day to day activities.
As an occupational therapist who worked in home health, I know that safety is the biggest concern. Safety means easy access in and out of the home, no throw rugs to trip on, wide doorways, ramps where needed and bathroom safety (which is the most common site of accidents). Safety and comfort also means being able to reach items, find things easily, as well as know which important documents you need and how to access them.
Learning about constantly changing products is your assurance that the home you create will meet your needs for years to come. That can be as simple as a device to help get your socks on, as complicated as communication devices and smart homes, or just learning which is the best phone when hearing or vision is a challenge.
One of the hardest things is finding people that can assist with those often small, but important tasks and projects that seniors have difficulty doing themselves, such as a installing wheel chair ramp, grab bar or small home projects. Organizing the house, sorting through papers, gathering important documents or preparing to move can be mentally and physically overwhelming as well as exhausting for you or family members.
Taking control of these aspects of your life can give you peace of mind. Whether you plan on staying in your own home or downsizing, the right people can help you create an environment tailored to your needs. That allows you and those you love to participate in activities and live a fuller life.
Join us at the next Geezer Forum “Organize Your Life - Senior Friendly Resources and More”
April 22nd, 1-2 pm at Lake City Center - 916 N. Lakewood Drive , Coeur d Alene ID (208) 667-4628
The Forum, starts at 1 pm, is free and walk-ins are welcome. If you would like to join us for lunch 12- 1 p.m., please call to reserve (60+ donation; under 60/$7 fee per meal)
Local experts speaking at the event: --Clean Sweep, Lenore McDonald- Home organization
-Allphase, Jessica Morales - Senior home construction projects
-Avista - Saving energy
-Family Stewardship, Jonathan Peel - Planning and organizing key documents
If you would like to be a presenter or have a vendor table contact us at geezerforumcda@gmail.com. Also check out our Facebook group page Geezer Forum CDA. Previous Geezer Forum articles and updated “Travel Tips and Tricks for Seniors” are available for download at virginiataft.com Virginia Taft can be reached at virginiataftauthor@gmail.com
Taft is the author of “The Memory Box Journey - Capturing a Life Story”
(Dream Seed Rising 2024) available on Amazon; audiobook on Audible
