Back to All Articles

Organization: Basics

Time not only takes away our hair, our flexibility, and quick energy; it often brings to us a slower pace, a more diffused focus and a diminished sense of energy. We may see this in our parents and want to help but have difficulty knowing where to turn. We know they could "use some help," but are just not quite sure exactly what kind. They are not having problems, per se, yet we have a sense that we could somehow add to their quality of life.

Concierge service may be just what you are looking for. Here are some services our clients find particularly helpful.

1. Set up a regularly appointment to have them drop by, even if there is no specific job at hand. The concierge will get to know your parents and will begin to see a myriad of ways to help. Some examples are offering to take out the trash, recycling newspapers, doing a quick straighten of the house, sorting the mail into stacks of personal and third-class items and drawing their attention to bills or doctor appointments. During the course of regular visits, other jobs and projects will come up and they can inform you of anything they see that might be of concern.
2. If your parents are still tentative around technology such as cell phones or OnStar, the concierge can help them with ongoing "reminders" or lessons on how to use the item and making sure that phones get recharged on a regular basis. If they find remembering how to use these items challenging, very simplified instructions for how to make calls to you, 911 or other numbers can be attached to the back of a cell phone or customized instructions for using OnStar can be placed in the car, etc.
3. Have the concierge bring "treats" such as fresh fruit, nuts or other healthy snacks to enhance their diet.
4. Have them bring a houseplant or fresh flowers every once in a while. An inexpensive item from the grocery store may provide as much or more pleasure than a more expensive one ordered from a florist, particularly if either you or they have concerns about the cost.
5. A concierge can help with any mail your parents find confusing. A letter or form may just be a notification, in which case they can assure them that no response is needed. If follow-up is indicated or more information needed, the concierge can make the phone call (and navigate through the inevitable voice mail system) to obtain additional information.
6. When the weather is nice, someone else to suggest a ride or a walk (and perhaps go with them) may well get your parents out when they would not otherwise go out by themselves.
7. Even if your parents have dinner provided and only fix their own breakfast and lunch, having groceries brought in on a regular basis can be a big boost. In addition to doing the shopping, the concierge can put away the groceries, wash and prep fruit and vegetables, keep an eye on the refrigerator and toss out old food.

These seven items are by no means they only way to provide help. Many others could be added based your parents' needs and personalities. The important thing is to schedule someone to be a regular part of their lives. By doing so, you add immeasurably to their quality of life.

Want Help With Your Parents?

For more information about our services in Pennsylvania or New Jersey contact Elyse Coleman at 215-539-2720 or at Questions@LifeTimeCEO.com

Information is available on organizers and concierge service providers in other areas of the country at http://www.NAPO.net and http://www.ICEAweb.org.

While this article may not be sold or used as any part of an advertising or marketing campaign, permission is granted to reproduce it both electronically and in print. Any use of it must unabridged, unedited and include all information about the author and Life/Time CEO. Send notices of any and all uses to EACole@LifeTimeCEO.com All Rights Reserved.