Documents Every Senior Should Have in a Safe

Senior Thursday

We know the importance of having a will—especially when children or blended families are involved.  But as we age, this document, along with others, are a must for the elderly.  In addition to a will, every senior should have a trust, a power of attorney for property and a power of attorney for health care.  An attorney can help draw up these documents.  These documents should be kept in a safe place—either a safe-deposit box at the bank or an in-home fire-proof safe.

In addition to these legal documents, seniors should have copies of their life, auto and home insurance policies, including contact information.  Regarding their health, seniors should have health insurance information in their safe, and a list of their physicians, allergies and medications. 

All financial information should be handy, too, including a list of investment accounts, IRAs, bank accounts, savings accounts, etc., as well as debts such as mortgages or loans.  Account numbers and contact information should be on this list.

Other legal documents to keep safe are birth certificates, marriage certificates and death certificates, as well as powers of attorney you hold for others. 

Finally, include your burial wishes, especially if there are specific instructions you want followed such as cremation or choice of cemetery.  If you already have a burial plot, the paperwork should be in the safe.

Let someone in the family know where your documents are kept, and how to access these documents in case of an emergency.  This can be a child, a close friend, or an attorney.

Losing a loved one, or leaving loved ones is never easy.  Being prepared make the journey smoother.

 

If you need help organizing your papers, contact Prima By Design (847-955-1822) for an estimate.

Storing Off-season Clothes

Tips for Tuesday

It seems like we had our Spring/Summer in March and now it's back to Fall, despite the fact the calendar says "April".  If we pulled out our summer clothes last month, hopefully we didn't store our winter clothes yet, because we still need them.  But when it does finally warm up for good, we'll have to store our sweaters and coats.  Here are some tips for storing your off-season clothes:

·         Clean and repair everything before storing.  This includes zippers, buttons and stains.

·         If it won't fit your children next year, then don't keep it.  Hand it down or donate it.

·         Get rid of stray mittens/gloves.

·         To keep whites from fading, wrap them in white tissue paper, then in a dark color to keep out the light.

·         Store in plastic tubs rather than cardboard boxes to deter rodents and bugs.

·         Furs should be cleaned and stored professionally.

·         Leather shoes/boots should be cleaned and moisturized.  Dry thoroughly before storing. 

·         Stuff leather boots and shoes with newspaper or tissue so they don't get crushed.

·         Clean salt and dirt from snow boots before storing.

·         Clean and moisturize your leather handbags, then stuff them with paper to retain their shape.

·         Cedar lined closets or boxes work well against moths.  If you don't have a cedar closet, then use lavender sachets or moth balls to deter moths.

·         Sweaters should be stored folded rather than on hangers to retain their shape. 

·         Remove clothes from dry-cleaning bags if your storage space is damp (basement, attic).  Moisture may build up inside the bag and cause mold or mildew.

·         Fold wool blankets and store them in a cedar-lined chest.

Organizing Digital Photos

Tips for Tuesday

Last week, we talked about organizing all those photos you took before the advent of digital cameras. You may still have a film camera, but most people are slowly turning to digital cameras for all their photo needs. The photos are easier to share with others, and can be edited before printing. And there's no negatives to worry about.

But we also seem to take a lot more photos because there aren't all those envelopes laying around taking up space. All we have is a little SD card. Or, perhaps a lot of SD cards. This is where organizing photos can become difficult.

Once you start taking pictures and storing them on a memory card, they just keep adding up, perhaps to the thousands if it's large storage and you use lower resolution. To keep track of them, you should download photos as soon as possible after taking them.

Create a folder on your computer for your photos. Create subfolders for all the different subjects, such as family members, special events, vacations, etc. Then as you download the photos, immediately drop them into those folders. Don't worry about editing them if you don't have the time. It's more important that they are easy to find when you need them.

After they are downloaded, back them up (automatically or manually) to an online storage site (such as Shutterfly, PhotoBucket or Flickr) or to an external hard drive. Once the backup is complete (giving you two copies of each photo), delete them from your memory card.

If you take a lot of photos, have different memory cards for different uses. For example, I have one memory card specifically for client photos. I use a second one for personal photos. If I am looking for a photo before I have a chance to download them, I know which memory card it's on.

After you have downloaded all your photos, open them, edit them, then sort them further into even more subfolders. For example, Vacation-->2012-->Spring Break Mexico, Summer Disney World etc. When you are ready to upload them to Facebook or other photo-sharing web sites, they will already be sorted and ready to go, all within one folder.

Helping Your Parents Remain Independent

Senior Thursday

One of the biggest struggles we face as we age is remaining independent in our own homes. As adult children caring for aging parents, we often have these discussions with them. While we know their physical and mental limitations, they do not want to leave the home where they raised their family. If they insist on remaining independent, then the most we can do for them is make their lives safe.

First, have your parents sign up for an emergency response system. This will give them 24/7 access to the police/fire department. If they fall, help is only a button away.

Remove all fall hazards, such as throw rugs and sharp corners on tables. Make sure transitions are smooth between rooms, and install grab bars in the bathrooms.

Set alarms around the house. There are alarms for alerting someone that a pot has been left on the stove unattended, or for reminding them to take their medications.

Do what you can to make their life simpler. This may be different door or drawer handles, a long shoehorn, velcro closures, or a grabber for reaching items from upper shelves.

Make sure they eat right and have regular checkups with their physician. Activity is especially important for keeping healthy. If they have difficulty doing any daily activities on their own, hire help to come in and assist with meal preparation, bathing, etc.

Finally, stay connected with them. Loneliness can cause depression and premature aging. But whatever you do, take care of yourself also. If you don't take care of you, you can't take care of them.

Organizing Print Photographs

Tips for Tuesday

While many of us have digital cameras, we still have a lot of photos from print days. And lots of negatives. But can we find the photo we want when we need it? Have you put all your photos into albums, or are they randomly dumped into boxes?

Is lack of time keeping you from organizing your photos? Does the thought of taking each photo and slipping it into an album overwhelm you? It shouldn't. There are ways to organize your photographs that don't require hours of your time. So how do you get there?

First, gather all your photos together. Sort them into broad categories, such as vacation, immediate family, holidays, extended family, special events, etc. Or, if you prefer, arrange them chronologically by year.

As you sort, toss any duplicates or blurry photos. If you have two of similar scenes, select the better one and toss the second. Don't feel you have to keep every photo, especially if you don't keep in touch with the people photo, or if the shot isn't flattering. Also, put some aside for friends, family if you think they would like a copy. You can also toss most of the negatives, since technology now allows us to scan photos for reprints. Keep only those you know for sure you will be enlarging or replicating, such as wedding photos. If you do keep your negatives, keep them in their sleeves, and store them flat.

Once they are sorted, identify them on the back with a photo safe pen. Then place them in archival safe photo boxes or albums. Boxes are quick sorts. They usually come with dividers so you can label your categories. Albums will take more time, and don't hold as many photos.

Finally, keep your boxes and albums in a cool, dry place. Humidity will damage the photos.

Remember, not taking care of your photos can possibly harm them, and they will be gone forever.

Green Cleaning—Uses for Borax

Frugal Friday

So many cleaning products on the market are full of dangerous chemicals that can harm both the environment and your health. They are also expensive. So why not look to the past for both inexpensive and healthier alternatives. Over the next few weeks, we're going to look at ways to use common household products to clean your home. The first of these is borax.

• Put 2 teaspoons in a spray bottle with very hot water to use as a general purpose cleaner.
• Use to clean aluminum, as it is non-abrasive. Rinse thoroughly.
• Soak filters from hoods in a strong solution for 15 minutes to loosen grease and odors.
• Put 1 tablespoon in four cups of warm water to use in your refrigerator or freezer to wipe up food spills.
• Mix one tablespoon with one tablespoon of baking soda as a detergent in your dishwasher.
• Sprinkle borax on carpets, dog beds and other areas where there might be fleas.
• Mix one gallon warm water with six tablespoons borax and a teaspoon of liquid detergent for cleaning your floors and walls.
• Sprinkle it at base of walls to deter mice.
• Sprinkle in your toilet and let sit overnight for easy cleaning of grimy build-up.
• Sprinkle 2-3 teaspoons into your garbage disposal and let sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with hot water to deodorize.
• Sprinkle in stinky shoes and let them sit overnight.
• Add a tablespoon to your washing machine to deodorize your clothes.

Easing the Stress of Travel

Senior Thursday

Traveling means different things to different people. For business travelers, it can be a chore. For students, it's an education and an experience of a lifetime. For families, it can be an adventure. For seniors, however, it can be a hassle, especially if you have physical limitations.

So how can seniors make their travels less stressful so they can enjoy their vacation?

1. Check the itinerary—Confirm all plans before leaving. Know what the restrictions are on each flight/trip, at each hotel, and at each attraction. Is identification required for discounts? Where are your seats? Do you need confirmation numbers for reservations or admission?
2. Physical Limitations—Do your hotel rooms need walk-in showers or do they need to be close to the elevator to minimize walking? Will there be difficulty in boarding modes of transportation, such as tour buses? Is there assistance at the airport? Will stairs preclude you from seeing some attractions?
3. Safety—Be aware of surroundings at all times. Keep wallets and travel documents with you at all times. Never place your purse on the floor next to your seat. If you drive, keep your car locked, and keep valuables out of sight.
4. Packing—Keep suitcases light. Pack enough in a carry-on for an overnight stay in case your luggage gets lost. Carry prescription meds in their original containers. Keep copies of travel documents in your luggage in case the originals get stolen.
5. Health—Do you have dietary restrictions? Do your destinations know of them? Do your medications need refrigeration? Will too much walking affect your health? Do you wear a medical bracelet for your condition?

It may seem like this is too much effort to put into a little trip. But think of the risks if you don't properly prepare for a vacation. Enjoying yourself is priceless. You can make it happen.

Setting Up a Filing System

Tips for Tuesday

Even if you don't own a business, you should still have a filing system for your personal files. Everyone has financial, medical and possibly legal papers. It is important that you are able to find them when you need them.

Setting up a system is simple if you follow a few rules.

First,sort your papers into broad categories. Put school, work, medical, bank, credit card, home maintenance, etc., papers into piles. Further sort them into specialized categories. For example, you should have individual medical files for yourself, your spouse, each of your children, and your pets. Each person should have their own folder.

Next, create folders for each of these piles. If you are a visual person, use different colors for each broad category. Name each file. Use only a few words that clearly identify the contents. This will usually be a noun and verb, and perhaps a year. "Tax documents 2011" for instance, or "VISA Chase."

Place your files in a cabinet or drawer close to where you use them. They may not all be in the same place. File them by category or alphabetically—whichever works best for you.

If you are file challenged, then purchase a system that categorizes and indexes everything for you, such as Viewables from Smead. Use their colors, or customize your own labels.

Finally, keep on top of filing! File papers as they come in, and purge old ones you don't need.

Tipping the Movers

Moving on Monday

People have different opinions on whether or not to tip movers. Many feel that the move itself is expensive, so why should they pay even more money for the move? Others feel that the movers work hard and should be rewarded for a job well done.

In reality, the movers don't walk away with much money for themselves at the end of the day. Most of it goes to the moving company. But movers, like waitresses and hairdressers, are in the service industry, and therefore should be tipped.

Ultimately, it is your decision. If you do decide to tip, there are some guidelines to consider. Tips aren't determined as a percentage of the bill. They are decided on the number of hours worked. For a short day (4-5 hours), then $10/person is acceptable. For an 8-hour day, $20/person is acceptable. For extremely long days, $40/person would be a good benchmark.

If you decide to tip the movers, give each of them the tip individually, and not to the foreman. It shows your appreciation for each of them, and also avoids unscrupulous foremen pocketing all the money.

Instead of a monetary tip, providing lunch and beverages for the movers is acceptable. Check food preferences with them before purchasing. Cold beverages (water or energy drinks) should be available throughout the day.

Supplying both lunch and a monetary tip is, of course, acceptable, and shows appreciation for a job well done.

Hiring a Reliable Contractor

Senior Thursday

Whether you are preparing your house to put on the market, or making repairs/renovations to stay longer in your home, hiring a contractor can be a stressful experience. If you don't know anyone, how do you find someone who won't scam you? Here are some things to do to protect yourself.

• Ask friends/family for referrals. They can give you an honest opinion of their work ethic.
• Don't hire someone who comes to you door because they were "in the neighborhood," especially after a storm. They will probably overcharge you for shoddy work.
• Don't let anyone into your home who was "just driving past and noticed…" These people usually work in pairs. One will distract you while the other one robs you.
• Always ask for references. Make sure they include the address of the person so you can drive by and check their work.
• Never trust anyone who needs a large cash deposit up front. They will probably take the money and run.
• Don't fall for the "only for today" discount. A legitimate company will give you several weeks for the offer and for you to make a decision.

Daily Tips for Get Organized Month!

Here are some tips for week two!

Day Eight:
Whenever you put boxes away for storage, label them clearly with the contents. If you have several with similar items, store them together and be more specific with the labels.

Day Nine:
Are there things you don’t seem to use very often? Store extra toys, kitchen gadgets, clothes, etc., away for six months. If you never need to access the items, then it’s safe to donate them after the six months is over.

Day Ten:
Put like things together—in closets, in storage, in your pantry, in your kitchen cabinets. You’ll find things more easily.

Day Eleven: Put items where you use them—pots near the stove, glasses near the sink, linens near the bedrooms, etc. It will take less time to do your chores if everything is handy.

Day Twelve:
Have a place for everything. Reduce the risk of piles by assigning everything a home, from keys and phone chargers, to paid bills and school papers. If it has a home, you’re more likely to put it away immediately.

Day Thirteen:
When you are shopping, ask yourself, do you want it or need it? That will help you decide whether or not you should bring it into your home.

Day Fourteen:
Can’t decide whether or not to keep it? Ask yourself—what’s the worst that could happen if I get rid of it? The answer will help with your decision.

Call us today for special pricing for January sessions in observance of Get Organized Month—847-955-1822.