A blessing is   a circle of light drawn around a person     to protect, heal and strengthen. - John O'DonohueIt is this time every year we pause to think about those closest to us, and our impact each other.To the group who minister to the oldest among us: Listeners with solace during times of confusion, change Coaxing to a new life of comfort Of interdependence They do this for the wise ones Those who are full in life ...

There’s nothing like a beautiful, stress-free move. Shirley J., Floor Manager at Bridgeway of Bensenville was clearly impressed with the speedy and organized effort of the Caring Transitions Chicago Northwest Suburbs team after we moved her client to a new space. We try to leave everything better than we found it.We are careful to mirror the senior's new space so that they feel more at home as soon as they arrive.Our clients are alway...

Assessing Parents’ Well-BeingWhen you visit family this year, you may notice some changes in mom and dad’s home and environment. The following is a list of significant changes which may indicate your parents may need additional support such as home care, companion or financial services or assisted living:Difficulty keeping up with finances. Observe stacks of unpaid bills or late notices.Changes in personal hygiene or housekeeping that indicate pa...

With our families stretched out across the United States, it’s all too common to find yourself watching a struggling loved one from a distance. Whether it be foreclosures, downsizing, liquidation, or even the death of someone dear, you may not always know how to help someone through stressful times when you’re so far away. This is why we are here; to help people with the burden of emptying out homes in sometimes less than a week or organ...

As the Baby Boomer generation moves into their 60’s and their parents move into their 80’s and 90’s,   more attention has been given to the role of the family caregiver.  An increased number of resources are available in communities and online and within that data, it is evident most experts agree on the basic tools adult child require to help them gain control over stressful family situations.1. Assess the Situation: You can find ...

The weeks leading up to the holidays can be very busy. It is easy to get distracted by things like shopping, cleaning, and prepping for visitors. These tasks can cause the little things to go unnoticed.  Thanksgiving is just a few days away. This is a special time to get together with the special people in your life. For some it may be the only time throughout the year that you see them.  It is important to use this family ...

       The Caring Transitions Chicago Northwest Suburbs Team recently hustled to move Phil and Rita, a senior couple from Lombard, into a 3 bedroom 2 bath apartment at Bridgeway of Bensenville. They packed and unpacked with minimal disruption and stress. The Team even hooked up the sound system!Rita gave MaryBeth a hug and was very appreciative of the team's efforts. Phil settled right in to his new living room. The team? W...

At Caring Transitions we also encourage consumers to consider “green moving” practices as they prepare for your next move or relocation:Packing materials: When consumers shred documents in preparation for a household move, they can place the paper shreds in cloth, paper or plastic bags that are already in the home. Seal the bags and use the entire package as protective packing material instead of toxic “peanuts” or bubble wrap.  The bag...

According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, “Advance care planning allows a person to make his or her wishes and care preferences known before being faced with a medical crisis. Advance care planning is simply smart life-planning.” Recent government policy debates aside, there is no question end-of-life planning offers substantial peace of mind for families in the midst of crisis. Patients who have the opportunit...

Once you make a decision to move or store some of your belongings or even remodel your home, it is important to evaluate whether any of your personal valuables could be at risk for damage or theft. If you are one of the thousands of people who will move next year and have not yet considered how to organize or protect your valuables, the following suggestions may help you secure important papers, small valuables, coins, jewelry, passports...