I am constantly inspired by numerous hardworking people who are just as passionate to help others improve their lifestyles. I am happy to introduce you to Dina Newman, a professional organizer as well as suggest tips that will help our parents get organized.
Staying organized is a difficult and unavoidable task. And for many of today’s aging parents, it is crucial when planning ahead before a health crisis occurs. I recently met owner of Organizing, Concepts & Designs Dina Newman who has helped numerous clients learn how to maintain an organized space and everything in its place.
While this may be a difficult task and not exactly the most exciting, I highly recommend you help your aging parent(s) organize their life before a health crisis occurs.
If you live out of town or just cannot find the time to help, this may be an excellent time to consider hiring a professional organizer for the senior in your life.
Many of our parents are products of the “Depression Era”, where they saved everything….and, I mean EVERYTHING! Most of it is socked away in boxes, the garage and yes, mattresses!
I recently met Dina Newman, the vivacious owner of ORGANIZING, CONCEPTS & DESIGNS. Dina has helped literally hundreds of clients learn how to maintain their newly organized space and even offers a complimentary “hotline” after the project for those who need a booster! She was born an “organizer,” often helping friends and family….”There wasn’t a chaotic or disorganized space anywhere that I couldn’t improve upon.”
For example, my friend from Northern California just spent four long and extremely difficult months trying to sift through the important documents, valuables and information about her mother who recently passed away. And, she did this during a very emotional grieving period.
So, let’s plan ahead and try to help our parents get organized!
These are questions you should begin asking yourself long before a crisis happens. You need to help them organize their information and share it with you:
**Are they neat, orderly and organized?
**Do they have a filing system that makes sense to you and do you know where it is?
**Do they have hidden jewelry and valuables?
Some of the most important information you need includes:
- Bank accounts, including checking accounts, savings accounts, CDs, mutual funds, 401(k) and IRA accounts, stocks, and bonds. You’ll need names of institutions and account numbers. Don’t forget PIN numbers for ATM cards.
- Internet accounts and passwords
- Life insurance policies and homeowner’s or renter’s policies
- Car and other vehicle insurance policies
- Real estate deeds, mortgage information, and property tax information
- Social Security numbers, passports, driver’s licenses, and other forms of ID
- Credit card account numbers — photocopies of the front and back of the cards is advisable
- Burial-plot information, prepaid cremation plans, mortuary arrangements, as well as any funeral requests
- Health insurance policies, including copies of cards
- Safe deposit boxes, including passwords, keys, combinations, locations, and any other specific information for access
- Wills, advance directives, living wills, power of attorney, durable power of attorney for health care
- Hiding places in the house, yard, garage, and car for money and valuables
- Keys, location, and combinations to house, vehicles, gates, lock boxes, and safes
- Titles and pink slips for cars, boats, and other vehicles
- · Location and information about jewelry, artwork, and other valuables
When you begin this daunting project, don’t try to do it too quickly. When talking with your aging parents about organizing their lives, use compassion and understanding. This can be an extremely emotional experience.