What can Phyllis Slater, eldercare concierge, do for you? Each day is a challenge and I wish to start the morning with a smile. For me to see the bathroom each morning is a blessing not to be taken for granted. Listening to your story energizes me. In this website(blog) I try to explain my services and passions. Rather than feeling despair, I continued to be an organizing coach, organizer of information, organizer of workshops for those touched by low vision, and assist in finding gift and healthcare products that make life easier for family caregivers and those with low vision.

As an organizer rather than a writer, I asked friends who provide senior care services to provide valuable information for a care guide. Many people collect brochures for services and never look at time. In an effort to simplify your life, I put this information into a large print care guide for family caregivers and lose living with low vision. As you need this information, just pull out the guide. My workshops for living with low vision discusses taking care of your health, financial and legal issues, whether to live at home or more to a smaller environment and how to take care of your house. It is also important to share resources available as well.

Why did this matter to me? Diagnosed with low vision only 9 years ago, I can't drive and do the face-to-face personal contacts unless withn the Lakes Area of Oakland County, MI. The Internet has become my tool of necessity.

STAYING INDEPENDENT WORDS OF WISDOM

Organizing the home!

Mom is coming back for a nursing home, her closets are filled with items never worn. Can she reach for the dishes or find her medications? Making simple changes in the home prior to her return can make all the difference.

When you or someone you love lives with low vision, making simple changes around the house is important.

Organizing Your To Do Lists!

Understanding that when they shop, it takes more time going up and down the isles. There are displays to avoid, products on the shelfs that are hard to read, no customer service available to help find these things, and the list goes on. Don't push them to go faster. Read magazines or bring a book with you. As long as there is any vision, let them shop at their own speed. Feeling independent is very important.

Make organizing your time include fun things. For me shopping on-line is fun when I can find ideas that fit your budget and recipient. Naturally the final decision which item to purchase is yours. I do not ask for compensation for my time from you. If you choose to purchase any of these products, I am compensated from the companies instead. Like doing your own shopping, I will connect you directly to these companies. Purchase a quantity of gift cards now and be ready for those special occassions. They also can be purchased on the Internet. Let me save you time and money. There really are sales only found on the Internet.

Staying independent requires knowing your limitations, strengths and options. Low vision is not just for aging nor does it mean being completely blind. It is a day-to-day challenge from the ability to write a check, see the stairs, cooking, and cleaning. These daily tasks require concentration and finds others just don't understand this. Phyllis decided to provide interact workshops and guide to discuss dealing with the frustrations and limitations. She believes in laughing when we walk into yellow floor markers "Wet Floor", take everything slowly or even sit on a friends lap in a dark restaurant. These are simple things others take for granted. Family caregivers need to be made aware of these issues as well. A good laugh can offer some peace of mind.

Sign up for a 1 1/2 hour FREE workshop. To learn more call Phyllis Slater at (248) 681-9872 or Comfort Keepers of West Bloomfield, MI If you can not attend, preview a care guide by simply pressing the page located in the MY BLOG listing (on the right hand side of this page).

INTERNET SHOPPING SERVICES

First, learn what types of products are available for those with low vision. There are over 15 websites selling healthcare products for low vision, hearing and other physical challenges. For Phyllis, she had to shop numerous stores before finding an across the body purse. Now she can't imagine not having one. No more purses in the shopping basket or free hands for sliding the credit card into the machine. Second, either purchase the items yourself or ask Phyllis to do the shopping.
Phyllis shows caregivers how to save money shopping the Internet with Internet only sales and Internet coupons. If you enjoy doing your own shopping, let Phyllis set up your own shopping website.

If you don't have time to shop, Phyllis will send you ideas and purchase the items of interest. Either way you are in control.

LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

As a caregiver, I have struggled to find clothing for my elders. Each has had specific needs. Then there were phones not used and other issues. As an elder care columnist, I’m often asked fo recommendations when readers are looking for products to make their lives easier, or their loved ones more independent. I even designate a column or two a year as “shopping columns.”

I wish I would have had Phyllis Slater to help me shop during my early care giving years – and I’m glad to find her now, so I can recommend her shopping tools and skills to others. Her wonderful new resource called “CARING CONCIERGE SERVICES FOR THE 50+ GENERATION” has taken this shopping problem and come up with solutions.

This publication, itself, is a true gift. I found things here I had no idea existed, and I have no doubt that the resourceful author will continue to add to her stash of helpful products. She will do the shopping. She will make gift baskets. If something needs to be done, Phyllis will have ideas to help get it done.

Take a look through this book and see what catches your eye. Then check with Phyllis to see what else she can do for you.


Carol Bradley Bursack
Minding Our Elders
http://www.mindingourelders.com/