Catching On To The Ins and Outs of Nursing Homes

What Adult Children Can Expect When Their Parent is In A Nursing Home  

It's been awhile since my dad has been placed in a Nursing Home and I'm catching on to the ins and outs of long term care. In fact this is the second home my dad has been in so I am building up comparative experiences.

Keep Cool In Nursing Homes

Yesterday was Father's day and the weather outside was HOT, MUGGY and OPPRESSIVE. Dad, however was wearing an over the neck long sleeve sweater on top of a golf shirt circa 1962. I stopped by the lobby water cooler and served myself ice water before strolling to the back of the facility where dad holds court in his corner of the long hall.

On the way to dad I stopped off in the snack closet and brought him a soft cookie. He already had his "Sippy cup" filled with apple juice.

Count The Moments in Dementia Care

I brought him a colorful Father's Day card which he really liked, a sure sign of his deteriorating Dementia as he has NEVER liked any of my cards in the past. I actually was delighted that he liked my card. It could have been a Christmas card, but he liked it !

They say that when you take care of  frail elderly with Dementia you need to focus on the joyful moments. Small things matter, like offering a cool beverage or a favorite cookie when visiting.

Peddling Into Neighbors Rooms

Dad must be getting back to himself after a recent fall as he now has been peddling around in his wheelchair using his feet. I'm not sure if that is safe or not, but he is enjoying the mobility and the opportunity to "stroll" into someone else's room.  And dad isn't the only one scooting around as his neighboring residents have found there way into his room. One lovely woman likes to "borrow"his T.V. control and hide it. Nothing to worry about....it's not so unusual and the aides know who the kleptomaniacs are.

I'm catching on to Nursing Home life, I put a big sticker on his T.V. controls with his name on it and I've learned not to sweat the small stuff ( or the big stuff).

Here are some Nursing Home pointers:

1. Make sure everything that belongs to your loved one is labeled.
2. Less is better.....keep excess clothing and belongings at  your house or in a box in the resident's closet.
3. Focus on sharing joyful moments in time.
4. Simple gifts like offering a snack or cold drink go a long way,
5. It's hot in Nursing Homes (in all seasons)....visitors should dress in layers.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Moving Mom And Dad: Getting Help With Knowing What Is An Antique Or Collectible And What To Pack, Dump Or Donate

What You Can Do To Learn About Mom And Dad's Keepsakes And Furniture Before You Move Your Parents 

Everyday now it seems that I am bumping into friends who are preoccupied with moving aging parents here, there and everywhere. While some of these older adults are downsizing from a house into an apartment or moving back from Florida to the Northeast, or transitioning into an Assisted Living residence,  one theme keeps coming up, "how do I know if anything my mother and or father has is valuable?".


Do You Need Help Downsizing Your Mom And Or Dad?

I've covered this topic many times before,  but today I wanted to remind adult children to post pictures of their collections on I Antique Online.com. This is a free social network for the antique and collectibles world. If  you are trying to figure out if you should pack, dump or donate many of the items you need to deal with before moving an elderly parent, I Antique Online.com is a perfect solution for getting some help.

Introducing Whadja Find Group Forum For Helping You Identify, Evaluate And Discuss Market Value of Antiques, Collectibles, Art  

While there are over 200 group forums on I Antique Online.com, one popular group  called "Whadja Find"  is as good palce to start when you are clueless about what you have. This very active and friendly group can help you identify, evaluate and discuss the market value of antiques, collectibles, art. Many of the members of "Whadja Find" will even do research for you and get answers. The neat thing is that all of this is free, it is a social network and not an appraisal company.  

How Can I Antique Online.com Help You Figure Out If Mom's Furniture And Collectibles Are Valuable? 

So how does this work? You go onto I Antique Online.com    and join (free). Then you click on "Whadja Find"  (free) and next you post a comment with a picture(s) of what you want help with. So let's say you are unsure whether the tchotchkes that are covered in dust in your mom's China closet are
collectible or not, you could snap a few photos with your iPhone or camera and post them on I Antique Online.com in Whadja Find or actually in any of the other groups as well, i.e. "Depression Glass", "Everyday Pottery" and more. The point is that Whadja Find is a good place to start, because you may not even know what you have to begin with and Whadja Find is a good starting place.

There are many more articles in this series:

Read :
CARING FOR AGING PARENTS VINTAGE MOM AND DAD http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/search/label/older%20adults


If you need help regarding Senior Care Services and Eldercare contact my friend Sheri Morris MSW, ACSW, LCSW a very experienced Geriatric Social Worker. Her website is My Senior Care Connection. 

 C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists.

  

Helping Elderly Parents Succeed In Their Own Home: A Funny Story

A Little Humor Helps 

Keeping Elderly Parents In Their Own Homes 

I really am not sure how I am going to convey the humor is this post without shocking some of my loyal followers. The other evening I was at a party of a friend who invited her colleagues over,  all nurses and social workers who work with elderly residents in a nearby geriatric residence.

Keeping Dad In His Own Apartment 

Sitting in the living room in what developed into a women's circle of giddy gals, I began to talk about my dad. I start my story telling the group that dad is doing really well with a home health aide in his own apartment (which is located near me). The original plan ( a year ago) was a placement for dad  into a low income assisted living (further away from my home).

With a lot of hard work and persistence, I was able to qualify for a special program in my state,  designed to keep  older adults with dementia  out of nursing homes. This option seems to be working quite nicely.

Winning Dad's Heart

But here is where the fun begins. My 84 year old irritable, cranky, difficult dad has "fallen in love" (in fantasy)  with his caretaker, a woman who has managed to win his heart with her dedication and caring attention. (This is not  uncommon among elderly men).

Cutting Up Food In Bite Sized Pieces

Each morning she cuts up a prune danish into pieces and smears some cream cheese atop and presents the pastries on a plate with tooth picks in each piece to help my dad pick up the pieces easily (dad's hand shakes so badly he has trouble eating ).

Teasing Home Healthcare Aides

So back to the party where I am telling my story to the geriatric nurses and social workers.  I share with the healthcare party people how dad likes to tease his aide about getting married.  The banter continues as I tell the group how dad is always asking me to call before I pop in to his apartment unannounced.  The gals are getting silly and having a field day with the double entendres . "Oh, dad wants you to call before ..... hmmmm dad is flirting with his aide.......hmmmmm and on and on.

And then one of the nurses blurts out.....I think we have a case of PRUNE DANISH INTERRUPTUS

OMG......we were rolling over in laughter.


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Packing Up Elderly Parents

Lessons Learned When Packing Up Aging Parents For a Move 

I started writing about caring for aging parents a few years ago when I was smack in the middle of these issues myself.  As the editor of I Antique Online.com, I receive many emails from adult children who want help in transitioning mom and or dad to a smaller apartment or Assisted will Living facility.

Letting Go Of Stuff

First let me begin by telling you that I made a lot of mistakes when it was my turn to move dad from Florida to New England (I'm smarter now).  Dad had a great deal of trouble letting go of his STUFF and insisted on bringing a lot of his "Asian inspired collectibles"  (all reproductions I found out) and decor with him.

What Would It Cost To Bring Along The Knick Knacks ?

Truthfully, I had no idea if any of the tchotchkes he wanted to bring to his new apartment had any significant monetary value. I knew he liked his Mud Men figurines and his giant ceramic tiger which sits on the floor and scares the daylights out of me, but how much of it did he need to bring?   And what would it cost to bring these knick knacks and living room decor with him?

Consulting With Movers, Shipping Services Etc.

After consulting with movers, senior care managers, shipping services etc., I decided  that since we were NOT bringing furniture and only smalls, we would use the local shipping service and  have his aide help with the packing. She would then bring the boxes to the neighborhood shipping service.

Sounds good right? Nope...it was a disaster. I assumed that my dad's aide would be able to pack up ceramic frogs,  Chinese bowls (inexpensive), figurines etc. and bring these boxes to the Post office. We had privately agreed that she was to pick out his favorite objects (with his say) and send only a few boxes (we were downsizing) to his new apartment.

Sneaking In Objects Into Boxes

She tried to be helpful,  but my father kept sneaking other objects into the boxes when she wasn't looking. Let me just say that my dad now has four staplers, an assortment of radio parts, broken tools, rocks, old telephones etc. in his new place.

Invest in Bubble Wrap And Sturdy Boxes 

As far as the packing is concerned, either she didn't know how to pack or my dad took over. Breakables were not carefully wrapped in bubble wrap. Boxes were  too loosely packed. Instead of receiving 6 well packed boxes, I received 12 flimsy boxes, poorly packed.  Half of the items came  broken (a blessing in disguise).

Moral of the story: Don't pack in front of a parent and use a professional packer if you can't do it yourself.  Consider using the U.S. Post Office.

For more information visit; http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/group/estatemavenshelpwithestateliquidation


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Where Is The Best Place To Sell Mom's Antiques And Collectibles Online?

Selling What You Have Inherited Online

Many of my friends  and friends of friends ask me to advise them on  where is the best place ONLINE to sell antiques and collectibles that they have inherited.  My answer usually depends on what goods they are trying to sell. Since none of my friends had parents who dined with the Rockefellers, most of what I hear about is garden variety nice old things such as teacups and vintage tools. Even then, some stuff is good stuff and let's say other stuff is small potatoes.

Do You Have A Treasure Trove? 

Occasionally, I will get wind of a box of Russel Wright pottery which was left in mom's basement.  But the rush I experience is shortly dampened when I learn that the box of potential treasures actually has more broken pieces  than good ones. And...the colors and shapes of the dishes are as plain as vanilla ice cream.

Where Do You Sell Household Collectibles Online

O.K., enough beating around the bush, where do you sell the household collectibles and decorative items that many people acquire after a loved one has  passed on or moved into a Nursing home?  Once you have  sorted through your cache of  nice old stuff, you may decide to sell what you have to a local antiques dealer, auction house or to sell things online.

Selling Antiques And Collectibles Online

Most people have heard of eBay and Craigslist.com, but there are actually many more options available today such as  Etsy.com, Tias.com,  Ruby Lane, Ruby Plaza, eCrater, Go Antiques, Bonanza and more. To help people decide  which site is for them, I added a number of group forums on my site I Antique Online.com to help newbies learn the ins and outs of these popular online selling venues.

In these group forums, real people discuss the pros and cons of each site and compare their selling  experiences across multiple sites.These groups are independent of the actual online site being discussed, so you are not  getting marketing hype but neighborly advice from sellers who have been there done that and happy to share info.

List Of Group Forums On I Antique Online.com For Selling Online

eBay Connection

Etsy Connection

Craigslist Connection

Bonanza Collection

Ruby Lane

Ruby Plaza Connection

eCRATER Connection

Go Antiques.com

Tias.com Connection

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Helping Aging Parents Move :Setting Up A New Residence

Tips For Setting Up A New Home For Aging Parents

If you are the "chosen" adult child who gets to supervise or manage the move of your older parent(s), I want to share some wisdom on the subject while it's still early in the game. You may find yourself moving your mom or dad into a smaller apartment, Assisted Living facility or Congregate Housing etc. .

Set The Apartment Up BEFORE Parent(s) Move In

There is a plus to being able to set the apartment  BEFORE mom or dad arrives. You get to sort through years of accumulation and weed out what is essential and what is not. Not everything needs to come to the new residence. This is the time to set priorities and  take into consideration  critical factors such as safety, practicality and organization.

Suggestions To Help You Move in Mom And Dad 

1. Set the apartment up completely before mom or dad arrives. Many frugal older adults will balk at seeing you bring in NEW things once they have moved in. Buy stuff before.

2. Donate excess dishes, pots, housewares.

3. If pictures, linens, clothing, household items are musty, moldy, soiled, torn, broken ...don't bring them with you unless they are cleaned first. If they do not clean up....toss or thrift them.

4. Make a list of what drugstore and household items are frequently used and buy them ahead of time and store in closet. Example....paper towels, napkins, baby wipes (yes they come in handy), bathroom essentials etc.Buy a few of each so you are not running to the store all the time.

5. Consider bringing some of the clothing to a dry cleaners or laundry before you hang up in new apartment. Many aging adults have not been able to keep cloths fresh.

6. Keep a list in your home of what your parents genera;;y buy for household, groceries, drugstore. Believe me, when their memory gets fuzzy they won't be able to tell you the brands they use.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

When You Clean Out Your Parent's House And No One Wants The Stuff

Tips About Cleaning Out Your Parent's House

I never thought I would get to the point during a "clean out" when I would call in The Salvation Army to retrieve the rest of my dad's furniture and STUFF....and even they wouldn't take it. Let me set the record  straight.....it's harder to donate goods than you think.  I mistakenly thought that I was being a good citizen and offering household items and furniture to a wonderful organization. Nope...they too like to "cherry pick"  the good stuff  from the  not such good stuff.


When You Are Not Allowed To Have  A Tag Sale

In case you are thinking why not just have a tag sale? That option was not available to me because dad's condo complex is in a gated community. Also, Craigslist was too cumbersome to try for the amount of items which remained.

After The Family Picks What They Want (Not Much)
Keeping you informed, I had  already gone through the regular steps most of us are familiar with when downsizing a loved one's home....offering things to family and friends; calling in Estate liquidators, consulting with antique dealers etc.  Now we were down to the STUFF which remained (soiled sofas, over sized silk trees, a rusty patio set, chipped chairs, wobbly kitchen table etc.) and all the loose  bric a brac. The Salvation Army (like other charities) wants all smalls packed. They also require beds, shelves etc. dismantled. The bottom line is that when they arrive they want to be  in and out and want the job to be seamless.

Did You Know The Salvation Army Is Picky?

The clincher is that The Salvation Army is picky. They do not want furnishings that are chipped, soiled, stained,  rusty etc. Nor do they want to spend too much time in your house shlepping out little things. Like any other business that deals in the re-sale of merchandise, The Salvation Army wants to buy what they can sell easily. They are not the Shabby Chic gals who see promise in everything they pick. The Salvation Army has a formula and they are first and foremost business oriented.


Calling In A Junk Dealer To Cart Away Your Parent's Stuff

What do you do when the salvation Army rejects your stuff? You call a JUNK dealer who you will have to pay to take your stuff.  Or you rent a truck and invite some friends to help you haul the stuff away.  To find a reputable junk dealer, ask the condo  association or management where your parents are vacating or look up junk dealers on-line. Many of these companies have names similar to 1-800 Got Junk. You need to do some homework before hiring anyone of course.

Be sure to visit my FREE site http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/  and join the group Estate Mavens (FREE).

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Moving Mom Or Dad: Furnishing Their Smaller Apartment

What Elderly Parents Need When They Move 

What types of  accessories and housewares should you get when moving elderly parents into a smaller apartment or an Assisted Living facility? Many baby boomers are finding themselves re-locating parents  from cities quite a distance from where mom and or dad will be living. ( i.e. Floridians returning to live closer to adult  children up North).  It may not be practical to bring kitchen-wares,housewares and accessories from mom or dad's original apartment or house to  their new  residence.  Instead of moving up old stuff, BUY nice old stuff (nearby). 


Buy Vintage For Mom Or Dad

Elderly parents on a fixed income are usually on very small budgets. If you need to re-locate your parents to a smaller home or Assisted Living apartment you may not want to spend too much money for what may turn out to be a temporary or short term move. A prudent way to go is to to shop second hand.

What To Put On Your Shopping List For Elderly Parents

Let me suggest a few very good ideas about some great vintage items you should buy. When out shopping for mom and or dad think functional, safe and easy to handle.   Here are some items you can buy in a consignment store or Antique Mall or at a Flea Market

1.A nice older juice set from the 1940s or 1950s  (small pitcher and small glasses).
2. Formica table with chrome legs (nice and sturdy and easy to clean).
3. Vintage Tupperware....real easy to find in vintage thrift stores.
4. Older kitchen and bathroom appliances (visit Goodwill).
5. Small tin tip trays (great for putting a cup of tea on or near the bedside for eye glasses, watch etc).
6. Vintage tin serving trays great for serving meals on.
7. Smaller vanity lamps (reasonable and charming to light up dresser).
8. Floor lamps attached to a table.
9. Side tables with rounded corners.
10. Kitchen chairs with arms for support.


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Think Small, Comfy, Safe When Downsizing Parents:

Helping Older Parents Move 

What do you need to keep in mind when you are helping your parent's downsize into a smaller place. The key words here are SMALL and  temporary.  

I know it is a hard concept to swallow, but when you move a loved one into a small apartment whether it is in an Assisted Living facility or a private apartment complex...think  small, comfy and safe. It's important to take along sentimental items, but NOT everything. It's a tough time for
everyone. Sometimes an older person is comforted  
if they know that family members will hold onto some of their keepsakes.


Comfy But Not Cluttered

Those are the three words I would  emphasize...small, comfy and safe.  When you buy or bring furniture do not over do it. Older people

 Always bring a few of mom's favorite things.

who are unsteady on their feet are fall risks. So keep the setting open and airy but cozy. Do not clutter with lots of small tables, plant stands, floor decor, area rugs  etc. that an older frail person could TRIP OVER.

Buying Smaller Scale Furniture


Vintage  furniture is often of smaller scale than what you will find today inmost furniture stores.  If you start shopping around for furniture you  will see that everything tends to be oversized. This style is great if you have a big home, but most  apartments for downsizing seniors are SMALL. This is where it makes sense to visit a Second hand store, Antique shop or Consignment shop to look for  furnishings. Many people do very well buying items on Craigslist.com Some towns have weekly newspapers with classifieds as well. Look for comfortable and safe furnishings i.e. rounded corners on tables, solid wood pieces that do not wobble, kitchen chairs with arms.

Read all my articles about "Vintage Mom and Dad"

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Getting Ready To Downsize A House

Tips From The Editor of I Antique Online.com About How To Clean Out Your Basement

Getting ready to downsize a house is a BIG step couples take. I know first hand what it is like to venture into your basement and stare at 30 years plus of stuff! The good news is that I have already made a dent in the clean up process. Years ago I unloaded the cribs, high chairs, and kid junk.

Saving Binkies: Are You Kidding?

Well perhaps I am not being totally honest here about holding onto kid junk.. I mean I do still have plastic boxes filled with every report card, book report and handmade card that my kids brought home. Why on earth do we all keep all this old paper? The answer is nostalgia. Yesterday I was cleaning out an old desk drawer and I found three rubber baby binkies from the last kid. He is twenty now. Do you think he really wants to inherit his old pacifiers?

Staying Sane When Downsizing Your House

O.K back to the subject of downsizing. How do you accomplish this task and stay sane. First you need a strategy and then you need supplies. To accomplish your goal you will need to set a realistic schedule. Now don't panic. Just because it took thirty years to get all stuffed up with junk, does not mean it will take thirty years to liquidate the load. But it will take time, so be prepared.

Step One: Get the supplies you need to be able to unload the stuff.

Supplies
1. giant industrial strength black plastic bags
2. plastic storage boxes
3. cardboard boxes from liquor store
4. giant zip lock plastic bags
5. brown paper shopping bags from grocery store

Step Two: Enlist help: Do Not Do This Yourself

If you are a baby boomer with a bad back or a couch potato with aches and pains....do not attempt to clean out thirty years of stuff by yourself. Hire a high school kid or handyman or bribe your kids, but get help with the clean out! You will need help getting things off high shelves, carrying bags of garbage to trash bins, bundling bags of like items etc. Basically you need a stuffer/sshlepper.

Step Three: Begin Creating a List of Categories

You will need to know ahead of time what is going where. Here are some common categories to consider.

Categories For Junk Liquidation

1. clothes to give away to charity
2. garbage
3. toys to give away to charity
4. books to donate to library
5. collectibles to sell
6. bric a brac to bring to Salvation Army or Goodwill etc.
7. Linens, blankets, toiletries etc. to bring to a shelter.
8. keepsakes to offer to family members.
9. junk to bring to dump yard .
10. Antiques and valuables to sell.
11. family photos and memorabilia to hold onto .
12. Broken or outdated furniture and appliances to junk.
13. old files to shred.

Step Four: Begin Sorting Out Junk

With help, I hope, you can set up your boxes and bags in the basement and start sorting out what you have into like categories. Be sure to label the boxes and bags so you know what is going where.
Once you start categorizing items, put the similar boxes and bags together in ceratin areas of your basement. Be careful not to mix up good stuff from garbage. Did I just say that? It's all JUNK isn't it?

Be sure to visit my site:

Estate Mavens: Help With Estate Liquidation

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Are My Parent's Old Things Valuable? Selling Antiques And Collecitbles On-Line

Cleaning Out My Parent's House: Is It Junk Or Valuable?

When the time comes to gather up your parent's collections, how do you know what is "JUNK" and
what belongs in the category of "antique" or "collectible"? To answer that question, I would like to get you to wonder about two key terms, "junk" and "valuable".

Junk Shop Versus Antique Shop: It's Just A Name

Why is it that some shops call themselves "Junk shops" and sell really neat stuff and other stores call themselves "Antique shops" and sell JUNK?

What makes a place a true JUNK shop? Can you be both....part JUNK and part ANTIQUE? Think about some of the shops you like to visit......would you buy a really expensive lamp or table in a place called "JUNK Shop"? Or do you expect only bargains and throwaways in a "JUNK Shop"? The answer is you can find all sorts of things everywhere!

Do You Know What Is Valuable In The Basement?
When you look at your parent's stuff, are you really sure that you know what the "junk" really is? Perhaps you think the "junk" is in the garage or in the basement? And you assume the "good stuff" is in the living room? Hold on...you may be assuming too much.

Reality T.V. Show On Antiques Love Finding Treasures

For starters, an entire industry of Reality T.V. shows are
based on the idea of finding hidden treasures in all the "wrong places". These made for T.V. pickers prefer junkyards, storage bins, garbage piles for the "good stuff". The premise of these popular shows is the thrill of discovering something "valuable" buried in a pile of "junk".

Is Mom Or Dad's Old Things Valuable?

But what exactly do we mean by "valuable"? As The American Pickers have shown us, there is a good deal of "value" in rusty old bicycle frames. But how many of you want an old bicycle frame? Would the lovely "Antique Shop" in the center of your town want pop's old bicycle frame? Perhaps not, but that doesn't mean there isn't an eager buyer somewhere else. So value really comes down to what is important to an individual buyer and you will discover that there are unique markets everywhere for everything.

Good Bye Antique Price Guide, Hello Internet

Before the internet, many folks relied on books such as Antique Price Guides to help them determine "value". Now, going on-line has replaced looking in books and is a very easy way to learn about the "value" of objects in the market place. And what the internet has done is create a global buying field.

Internet Is A Global Marketplace For Antiques And Collectibles

Many antique dealers have learned that they can get much more for a collectible on-line than in their shops, because they have the entire world competing to buy a particular "collectible". And size doesn't matter. Anything can be shipped and the right buyer will pay for shipping if you have what they really want.

Selling Your Parent's Antiques And Collectibles On-Line

So if you are getting ready to sell off antiques and collectibles that you have acquired , you might want to consider using some of the many on-line selling venues. To learn more about selling on-line, visit http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/ and go to the many group forums which focus on the growing number of online selling sites . Here is a partial list below (featured on I Antique Online.com.)

If you want someone to come into the house and take over the sale of the contents of the entire house visit my information website: http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/group/estatemavenshelpwithestateliquidation for more resources.

Selling Your Antiques And Collectibles On-Line : Visit These Information Groups

These are group forums where you will hear about the experiences of others who are selling antiques and collectibles on these popular selling venues. You can joion these discussion for FREE
eBay Connection
Etsy Connection
Bonanza Collection
Ruby Lane
Ruby Plaza Connection
eCRATER Connection
Go Antiques.com
Tias.com Connection

The photos featured in this article are from The Junk Shop Of Canton, Canton CT. Eric, the owner is always buying, so if you are looking to sell the contents of a house, contact Eric.860-693-6039.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Finding A Low Income Or Subsidized Assisted Living Apartment For Mom Or Dad

When Your Parents Need A Low Income Assisted Living Apartment

It is hard enough making the decision to transition mom or dad into a new apartment or into an Assisted Living facility when they want to stay where they are. But it is even more difficult to have to downsize parents when mom or dad has run out of funds and needs subsidized housing. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers seniors designated housing arrangements which are considered low income. How much rent the senior pays is determined by their current income and financial history.

What Is Senior Congregate Housing ?

In this category of subsidized housing (low income), are apartments in which seniors live independently in what is termed "Congregate housing" where mom or dad (or couple) has their own apartment but may share activities or meals and other services such as weekly house-keeping and transportation to doctor appointments. etc. In most subsidized housing complexes, seniors are offered studio(one room with an efficiency kitchen) or small one bedroom apartments. And in fact one bedrooms are often saved for couples. It's hard to think of a parent in "one" room but remember, most senior complexes have plenty of "living" space outside the room and want to encourage seniors to mingle and not stay isolated.

Adding Assisted Living Services To Senior Housing

Some Congregate Housing complexes also provide another level of care called Assisted Living. where clinical staff is generally contracted from an outside agency to provide nursing, social services and physical therapy services. Each complex varies on their staffing schedules and amount of services available. These nursing services are generally covered under entitlement programs.

Many Low Income Assisted Living Facilities Will Surprise You With Excellent Options

I have visited many low income senior housing complexes. Some are called "Low Income Assisted Living" and some are termed "Subsidized Congregate Housing " (with Assisted living options). To my surprise some of these facilities have as many bells and whistles as the "expensive" private Assisted Living facilities. For example, some senior subsidized residences I have toured had in- house cafes, grocery marts, beauty salon/barber shops, computer rooms, exercise rooms etc. in addition to recreation rooms, dining rooms and other standard programs which you will find for this age group.

Low Income Senior Housing Does Not Mean Substandard

The bottom line is that "low income" DOES NOT necessarily mean sub standard. In many communities housing authorities and local agencies together have managed to offer seniors some very comfortable and well managed options. And I might add, that a pretty lobby or carpeted halls does not mean "better". It is important to visit many places and evaluate your options. By the way, you might want to tour some of the private Assisted Living facilities to see how similar some of the low income places really are to the "fancy" ones.

For more help: Visit: http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/group/estatemavenshelpwithestateliquidation

Photos courtesy of Tickled Pink Antiques in Seymour, CT

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Safety Tips When Grandma Moves Into Your House

Is Your House Safe For Grandma Or Grandpa ?

Recently, I was asked by a reporter (Cammie Jones) of Augusta Magazine about safety tips when grandma or grandpa moves into your home. Here are some excerpts from my interview. Be sure to look for the article which will appear September 2011 . Please add your ideas as well in the comment section.

I think Cammie had some very important questions for me which I answered below.

1. What are some general things a family can do to prepare for the grandparent moving in, both physically and mentally?

The number one thing is safety. The house needs to be prepared to prevent Fall risks. Grip rails in bathroom, clutter cleaned up, toys out of the way, scatter rugs removed, appliances and dishes in easy reach, night lights, good lighting, dogs and cats out of the way (so you cant trip over them), etc.

2. What are some tips for a smooth transition when dealing with a health issue - be it dementia, or a physical ailment such as a broken hip, cancer, etc. How should parents explain what is going on to their children?

Aging is a normal process and when folks age there are many changes that occur such as brittle bones, slowed down motion, impaired hearing and vision, difficulty with memory and understanding. So it is bests to speak slowly and clearly looking at the person. Anticipate that grandma or grandpa may need assistance with walking or getting out of a chair. etc.

3. What are some ways to keep a feeling of normalcy for the family as well as the grandparent who is moving in? (both lives are drastically changing from the "norm.")

Offer a separate room for grandparent with a comfortable sitting chair, television, radio. Maintain boundaries and privacy. Allow grandma or grandpa to eat smaller meals and more frequently. Offer lots of fluids (dehydration) and a close access to bathroom. Invite grandparent to take part in activities i.e. watch a movie, but also allow for privacy.

4. What are some ways to handle issues that come up once the grandparent has moved in? For example, how to explain the situation to friends of the children, what if there is a habit that is bothering either the grandparent or the family that needs to be addressed?

Its wonderful to be able to take care of a grandparent. This is great for children to see first hand. But it is not easy. Respectful behavior begins with the adult child to model for the children.

Photos are from my book, "Hot Cottage Collectibles For Vintage Style Homes", Collectorbooks.com. Thanks to
Pink Pig Westport and Natasha Burns for their photos contributions.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Is What I Inherited Worth Anything?

Introducing A Group Forum To Help You Price What You Have Inherited

As editor of the largest social network on antiques and collectibles, I Antique Online.com, you can imagine how often someone writes to me and asks: "I wonder if what I inherited (from my mom or dad or grandma etc). is worth anything" ? I happily tell them about a featured group forum on I Antique Online.com called "Whadja Find" ?

Learn More About Your Inherited Item From Members Of I Antique Online.com

This group is made up of over 1000 members of I Antique Online.com who enjoy discussing items they have found or can offer some friendly advice to others who are searching for some answers. It's a perfect group forum for the average person who knows that they may have something special but just isn't as familiar with the antiques and collectibles business as some of the dealer or collector members of the group.

Curious About What You Have Inherited ?

A long time ago, I joked that we should call this group "One Night Stand" because so often I have seen people find their way onto the site and post a picture of an ordinary "bedroom night stand" that they may have acquired from grandma or mom. These new visitors to I Antique Online eagerly ask the group to help them decide what to do with their "night stand". Before long, the "one night stand" folks stay longer and enjoy being part of our
fun community.

Get Help With Identifying And Evaluating What You Have

To be clear, "Whadja Find" is not a professional appraisal service or a group of snooty of "know it alls". It's more like a group of neighbors who enjoy figuring out what you have and helping you take the next step in the process of identifying and evaluating what you have inherited or acquired.

And with over 187 Collector groups on the site, there are plenty of other resources built into this
social network.

Not Getting Snookered

But the "Whadja Find Group" is unique, because although it is made up of plenty of newbies, you will also find plenty of seasoned antique dealers, authors, experts, professional appraisers, estate liquidators, plenty of down to earth helping types and even a few "know it all" types. With the power of this popular social network you will not only get some answers about your antiques and collectibles but also plenty of members who are ready to buy what you may want to sell. And with thousands of members looking in on your discussions, it's hard to get snookered.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists