Tips When Looking at Nursing Homes For Mom or Dad Even When You Are Not Looking For One

I Never Wanted dad In A Nursing Home....But He is There. 

Well I finally got to the point where dad has been transitioned to a Nursing home. I cried the entire weekend he was admitted, but I gotta tell you..he's doing better with other people around.

He was taken to the Nursing home directly from a near by hospital ER after he fell and banged up his face pretty badly. The decision was made at that point to have him in a long term facility because he was falling too much at home.

 I had already looked into Nursing homes a fews years back and had a heads up on the selection process and was lucky that one of my top choices had an available bed.

6 Tips When Looking at Nursing Homes For Mom or Dad 


1. Even if you think your loved one will not be going to a Nursing home, I would still go visit Nursing homes and become familiar with ones in your area.

2. Choose the best Nursing home which is closest to your home or work, so you can conveniently visit.

3. Fill out applications and have on file, because it's often tough to get into a better Nursing home,

4. Stop agonizing about placing your mom or dad "in a home", if you choose wisely you may actually be improving their quality of life.

5. Don't assume you know whether mom or dad would like a single or double room if given the choice. Sometimes older people want a roommate because they are frightened to be alone or they want company.

6. Even if mom or dad did not eat or engage in activities at home, they are apt to behave very differently in a new setting. The bottom line, is as well as we think we know our loved ones, you will find out that there are a lot of  unexpected and positive changes that may happen.

Read more articles on this topic: http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/search/label/older%20adults


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

Should Empty Nesters Who Like Collecting Downsize, Upsize Or Stay The Same Size When Buying a New Home

Are You Ready To Downsize ?

Empy Nesters Should You Downsize. Upsize Or Stay in The Same Square Feet? 

Many couples labor over whether they should "downsize" , "upsize" or stay the same size when changing homes after the kids are grown up.  To help you decide what to do I need to ask you (and others you might live with) a critical question.... Are you a hopeless collector/saver? Additonally, do you (or mate) go to Tag sales and Flea Markets regularly?

Time To Let Go And Move On...Maybe 

STOP right here if you you are indeed a shopper, collector and bona fide saver. Unless you are ready to throw out your kid's report cards from kindergarten (your kids are married with children) or dump old appliance parts...you are not truly downsize ready. The leap to a truly smaller home or apartment needs to happen gradually...when you are serious!

This is not to discourage you from moving to the Condo/cottage /apartment etc of your dreams, but to realize that downsizing takes time.

Downsizing A Home Is A Process

Downsizing is a process.  Stage one is to begin to de-clutter the family home you are living in while you are exploring new home options. You will never be totally ready for the move, so give up on the idea of getting the purging all done in time for a move. STUFF will come with you no matter what. Accept the fact that you will be revisiting your junk (the stuff you didnt get to) in your new place.

Stage two is sorting out things in your new home and thinking about a smaller place the next time you are thinking about smaller places.  

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 Mom (or Dad) For A Smaller Apartment: Describing Types of Parents

Helping Mom and Dad Live Safely in A Smaller Apartment  
The art of moving forward lies in understanding what to leave behind.-Seth Godin

I can really weigh in on the topic of packing up mom (or dad) for a smaller apartment because as they say, "been there, done that". My experience with family members and parents of friends is that

you can divide older parents into three categories: (1) Absolute Clutterbugs (2) Minimalists (3) Flexible Flyers (don't know too many in this group).  Those in the Clutterbug category of course present the most challenge because these folks generally have great difficulty with what I'll call spacial matters. These overzealous collectors want to take everything they have previously owned and cram their stuff into smaller quarters. They have no concept of SPACE. They stack tables on top of tables, have six lamps in a room, shove boxes under tables etc. No amount of reasoning is going to help to convince a borderline hoarder to give up their belongings.

So How Do You Help Convince A Parent to Downsize 

You can try to suggest to an older parent that they have too much stuff and that they need to thin out their load....but those words generally do not penetrate. Many parents in their eighties and nineties want to be surrounded by the objects and furnishings they built a lifetime around. You can try to liquidate items behind their back, but that will backfire if your parent(s) are still quite alert and engaged in the world around them.

Use SAFETY As A Way To Encourage De-Cluttering

What sometimes works is to frame the conversation around
SAFETY.  Try saying..."the doctor (nurse, social worker, aide) is worried that your living room has too many pieces of furniture and that your walker (wheel chair, cane, etc.) will not have an easy path to the bathroom, kitchen, bedroom etc." Or you might say... "many people trip over rugs, boxes, clutter and your doctor (nurse, aide etc) wants to be sure you do not break a hip, so lets clear this room out a bit. Rooms cluttered with lots small ineffective lights, fragile items, suitcases etc. can be all be viewed in terms of safety risks. You may have a little luck getting through to a stubborn parent by playing the catastrophe card. Good luc

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 Advice On How Much Mom and Dad's Collectibles Are Worth

Figuring Out What To Do With Antiques and Vintage Collectibles From Mom and Dad's Home 

Selling mom or dad's collectibles, art and antiques can be quite the challenge for adult children who are not familiar with vintage.  Just because parents were collectors of "STUFF", doesn't mean that somehow by osmosis their kids know the difference between bric a brac and true collectible vintage treasures.

Take Photographs of Mom and Dad's Vintage Collectibles and Post on I Antique Online.com 

Before you contact a professional (i.e. antique dealer, appraiser, shop owner etc, take pictures with your cell phone or camera. Next, I might suggest that you Visit I Antique Online.com (my site) and post these pictures of what you have in the group "Whadja Find"  as well as in the relevant topic groups i.e. "Depression glass", "pottery" etc. Starting with the general group forum Whadja Find,  you will have an opportunity to discuss what you have with many very knowledgeable members of our site. We now have almost 18,000 members in our antiques and collectibles community. Our revised Whadja Find group has close to 1000 members.

Evaluating The Advice You Get When Asking About Mom and Dad's Vintage and  Antique Treasures

You will discover that I Antique Online.com is a friendly welcoming site with a mixture of members from all backgrounds. We have experts in many areas as well as seasoned collectors who are not afraid to tell you what the bottom line is. Of course this is a social network which means the content is user generated, so you will have to decide if the answers you get make sense. But I think you will find that we are a good place to begin to figure out whether what you have is something special or tag sale or charity bric a brac.

Photos taken by C. Dianne Zweig at the Sandwich Antique Center, Sandwich, Mass.
   
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

Downsizing Advice For Older Adults: Label Plastic Storage Boxes With Color Coded Labels

Making Your Parent's Move More Colorful: Using Color Coded Labels For Plastic Storage Boxes

Help!!! I am addicted to clear
plastic storage boxes. In fact I think the obsession has spread to my entire family. Recently I joked that the family crest should be a Sterilite plastic container. Today I wanted to remind my readers that when they use plastic boxes for family moves, be sure to label your boxes, preferably with a color coded system to indicate where the boxes will be going once they reach their destination. For example, green=bedroom or yellow=kitchen. I found variety packs of labels in colors at Walmart.

Use Colored Masking Tape To Mark Boxes Fragile

You also should label which boxes have glass items. To mark fragile boxes, I found masking tape in colors also at Walmart. I suggest writing  GLASS GLASS GLASS across the tape and adding this tape (along with the label of contents) to each box both on the top and across the side. You can also cut up index cards in a variety of colors to usse as labels. In this case, you can use Scotch tape to fasten the labels to your boxes.

If you are moving an older adult to an Assisted Living or smaller apartment (or college kids), you may want to also use plastic boxes that can slide under a bed or easily fit into a closet to give you extra storage capacity.

Read more about this topc in my section Caring For Aging Parents: Vintage Mom and Dad

Also visit my site I Antique Online.com and check out 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.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Moving An Older Parent: Getting Through The Meltdown Phase

Emotional Fallout When Moving An Older Parent

If you thought moving your older parent(s) was going to be easy as 1, 2, 3, you are living in a cave! Besides the demands of the actual move....packing up decades of tschotskes, there is the emotional avalanche which comes with the whole process. Did I mention mood swings? Moving is a big deal for everyone...but for someone in their late eighties or beyond a move can shake the emotional tree like an unwanted storm. So be prepared for a bit of a roller coaster ride as you begin to help your older parent make a significant change.

When Older Adults change Their Mind About Moving

There will be somedays when your mom or dad announces that they have changed their mind and they are not moving. Or you may find that your loved one channels Gandhi and decides to advance a peaceful yet defiant protest, refusing to sign any importqant paperwork involved in a planned mood.

When Older Adults Are Ambibvalent About Moving

My advice would be to be gentle with mom and or dad and to let some of these storms pass. There will be a lot of ambivalence about moving and confused emotions. Leave some breathing time for an older adult to have their tantrums and meltdowns. Let the dust settle (no pun intended). Ask any adult child who has been through the moving ordeal with an older parent......it all works out and often for the better.

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

Downsizing: What To Do With Old Computers and Electronics

Recycling Old Computers And Electronics When You Are  Cleaning Up

Finally, the decision was made to unload the growing mound of old computers and stereos that were taking up a great deal of space in our basement. The "tower" of electronics had to go but where and how? There was a flurry of hope for discarding all this clunky stuff when a Super Goodwill store openedup in our town this summer. But Goodwill is picky and they said nah!  I got a few "no's" from others as well and then learned about the Electronic Recyle Program at Best Buy  and with the help of my son and his friend our stash of outdated computers etc. found a new home.

First Step Before You Trash A Computer Is Destroying The Hard Drive 

In the pile were computer towers, monitors, keyboards, old speakers, broken stereos and outdated electronics of all kinds. My son alerted me that before anyone handed over any
computers, that the hard drives needed to be destroyed. You got to be kidding, ....I had no clue we needed to do that. Nor do I have any idea where to find the hard drives. He did and along with a couple of hammers, my son, his friend and my husband they went outside and smashed the hard drives.

After the whacking party,  my son and his friend loaded years and years of saved electronics to the back of my car and drove it to Best Buy. It was a fabulous feeling....all this plastic and metal junk gone...finally.

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 Older Parents: Get All Your Duct Tape In A Row:Tips On Using Boxes To Move Elderly Parents

Tips About Boxes When Moving Mom And Dad 

I didn't start out being an expert on the topic of moving seniors, but I confess, I have become the go to person on this topic.  Not only do I have personal experience on the matter of moving, but  as editor of I Antique Online.com, I manage many group forums on this topic.

Helping Older Adults Downsize: Tips On Moving

If you follow my blogs (or rambles) you have probably already read some of my tales on older adults downsizing. Today I want to discuss BOXES.
When you get ready for the big day (it will come)...transitioning to a smaller apartment or to a Assisted Living facility or other type of residence, you almost always are going to be
taking belongings in both suitcases and boxes.

If you follow my blogs you know I adore     plastic boxes for moves in an assortment of sizes to use both for the move and to keep later for additional storage under a bed, in a closet or in a storage space. Another favorite type of box of mine are FREE empty cardboard boxes from a nearby Liquor store. These boxes which held bottles are very sturdy and small enough to be easy to handle. These can get dumped later!

Cardboard Liquor Boxes

Liquor boxes usually come with cardboard partitions inside. You want to have some with the partitions and some boxes without. The boxes with compartments are great for packing glassware, vases and other items that need a "cushion". The empty boxes work great for books, cleaning supplies and other odds and ends.

Tips On Marking And Securing Boxes When Moving

Now on the subject of TAPE and MARKING BOXES Do not be a fool, use good packing tape to fortify the bottoms of boxes and to seal when the boxes are packed. But my most important tip is to mark the box both on the top of the box and on one or more sides. Since
most movers stack boxes, it is so much easier to figure out what is inside when you can read your labels on one or more sides of the box!


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

Is Manischewitz Downsizing Their Passover Desserts: Honey They Shrunk My Macaroons And Mandel Cuts

Oy Vey: Manischewitz Is Downsizing Their Mandel Cuts and Macaroons 

You've heard about downsizing a home, but have you read much about downsizing Passover? Imagine my surprise Monday evening when I opened a box of Kosher for Passover Manischewitz Mandel Cuts ( biscotti like cookies)  and found that these favorite desserts of mine had shrunk in size. Then, I opened up a container of Macaroons and oy vey, these delights also were smaller than I have ever remembered.

Be Careful About Dipping Your Downsized Mandel Cut Cookies In Hot Tea

After I poured my guests a cup of tea, I took my seat at the table, but I was still ruminating about the  downsized look of my Passover desserts. Truthfully,  I was consumed with laughter and nearly fell off my chair when I had to point out to my friends that they should be careful about dipping the Mandel cuts into the hot tea, because there wasn't much of a cookie to hold onto! 

How Small Is Small For These Passover Manischewitz Cookies ?
 After calming down from my shock after seeing these itsy bitsy cookies, I sprung out of my chair, and wondered aloud... just how small exactly had these Passover goodies gotten ?   My dear friend Larry and I decided we needed to set the record straight and get a scientific answer.

Measuring Passover Mandel Cut Cookies With A Ruler 

So Larry and I decided to reach for a ruler in a nearby kitchen drawer to capture the exact dimensions of these miniscule but tasty products. Larry carefully held the ruler close up to these downsized sweets, while I focused in on their petit presence. The news is not good, our ruler measured just about two inches long.

Downsized Passover Macaroons: The News Is Not Good

And don't get me started on the Macaroons. Yes, we also photographed these dwarfed desserts as well. I'm embarassed to report that these babies came in measuring about one inch in diameter.  I know times are bad and every business is taking a hit. But next year if this downsizing contines I'll need a magnifying glass to serve dessert.

 QUESTION FOR MY READERS 
Does anyone have any vintage (past season) Macaroons or Mandel Cuts hanging around that they could measure so we can keep tabs on the severity of this matter?

As usual, I ask my readers to leave comments, schmooze and enjoy your holidays.

Teacup image with tea courtesy of  http://teawithfriends.blogspot.com/2010/10/pink-glass-discoveries-old-and-new.html

Other photos taken by C. Dianne Zweig

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

Rules About Junking Mom and Dad's Stuff

Sifting Through Mom's and Dad's Accumulated Piles of Stuff 

Antique Dealers Are Waiting For Your Junk

I get really antsy when I hear about making "piles".  Often what is in the "garbage" pile is not exactly garabage! At times I want to leap out of my chair and go rescue some of the things that I hear people throwing out. No, no, please readers, do not be so quick to unload that which you think is "garbage".  

Did you know that a lot of antique dealers regularly replenish their inventory by combing through the piles of "junk" that end up at the dump?

Are You Trashing Treasures?

 I have created a beginning list of items to hold onto and not toss. Over and over again I hear of people who trash some wonderful treasures because they do not think anyone would want them.
Please readers add to this list.  

 Do Not Throw It Out Because:

1. You never liked mom's 1960ish tablecloth with big bold flowers...STOP
2. You are are not a smoker and have no use for an artist signed ashtray from the Mid Century..STOP.
3. You can't see who would want old advertising coffee tins with nuts and bolts in them...STOP
4. You never liked the way grandma smelled so you want to toss out an old talc tin...STOP.
5. You are afraid your grandchildren will get into an old jar of marbles so you want to toss them..STOP
6. You have no use for 1930s magazines stuffed into an old trunk...STOP

7. You never liked mom's souvenir tumblers....STOP
8. You can't stand dad's 1950s barware collection.
9. You have no use for grandma's sewing notions.
10. You see no reason to save grandpa's tools.

That's enough for now. Readers feel free to add to this list.

 Read More: 
 http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2013/01/helping-mom-and-dad-price-collectibles.html

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

Common Excuses We Use To Save Old Or Outdated Vintage Stuff

Are You A Saver of Old Vintage Stuff? 

Do you save the winter time to organize your clutter? If the answer is is not exactly "yes",  then we are in the same club. I tell myself in the warmer months that I'll have plenty of indoor time during the winter months to straighten out

my piles of STUFF. I convince myself to save the big clean out projects for a nice snowy day.

Are You In The Mood To Visit Your Basement ?

Every now and then, I actually venture down to my basement and take a looky around and think.....I'm not in the mood today, maybe next week. And as you might imagine, weeks creep by and I'm back to Spring time and the last thing I want to do is stay indoors and clean out my basement when the weather is warm and the birds are chirping.

Common Excuses We Use To Save Old Or Outdated Vintage Stuff

I have developed a list of the common excuses we use why we do not throw out clutter that accumulates in our basment. Please feel free to add to this list.

1. You never know when you might need birthday plates with fire engines on them.

2. Graduation paper cups.....2011 can become 2014 or 2021very easily.

3. You might need children's boots in case some stray children show up at your door and want to build a snowman in your front yard.

4. In case your GPS fails you can choose one of the 768 tattered and torn maps you are saving.

5. They may call a Retro day at the beach this summer and your boom box radio will be fabulous!

6. It might be fun to have a Halloween picnic this summer and set the table with black and orange plastic forks and knives from a 1982 Halloween fest.

7. You can re-gift all the coffee mugs that your kids gave you that say Happy 40th, 50th, 60th etc. birthday. You can give them back to your kids!

8. Harvesting old jigsaw puzzle down in the basement is not such a bad idea...  you may one day find the missing pieces in your kitchen drawer,

READERS, please add to this list!!!!!!!!!!

Airplane and puzzle  photos are courtesy of House of Young http://houseofyoung.bigcartel.com/products 

Elephant image courtesy of Chock-A-Block on Etsy.com http://www.etsy.com/shop/ChockaBlock?ref=l2-shopheader-name

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

Downsizing A Home To Remedy The Decorating Mistakes You Made Over A Lifetime

Downsizing Isn't What You Think It is About

I have been giving a lot of thought to the concept of "downsizing" lately. At first I considered  the topic of "downsizing" as a process where you purge a lot of your junk and eventually move into a smaller place such as a condo where someone else rakes your leaves. But I have to be honest, this whole concept of "downsizing"  is indeed more dynamic  and exciting than practical. One person's downsize is another person's upsize. And many people are really having a "lifestyle change" more than giving up space.

Downsizing And Going Larger

Recently I met a woman who "downsized" from a 5000 square foot home to a 3000 square foot condo. For her this was a significant "downsize". Another couple I bumped into last week, "downsized" by leaving a small family ranch style home to move to what is actually a larger townhouse condo.   They still called this a "downsize" because they "threw out" all their old stuff.

Downsizing To Get A Better Look 

Which brings me to another related aspect of the "downsize" matter....just how many couples I talk with who "downsize" to create a new and exciting nest. The goal is a new look and not necessarily a streamlined condo.

Downsizing To Play House Again

So basically what I am getting at, is that the whole idea of "downsizing" to a condo isn't exactly about going into smaller quarters. Even getting beyond the original plan for many to eliminate the chores of maintaining a lawn, shoveling snow etc. and gaining other conveniences. Many couples take the leap to move to a condo for other reasons such as to see new faces and have a chance to play house again one more time. Let's face it, it is fun to buy new towels,  to junk your old kitchen set for something   more stylish and  to remedy the decorating mistakes you
have made over a lifetime.
 

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

Go Slow Downsizing An Elderly Parent's House

Laughter Helps Us Keep Sane When Moving An Elderly Parent: But Remember To Be Gentle

I have previously written humorously about the topic of helping an elderly parent downsize a home. Let's be honest.... laughter does the trick to keep us sane when we are throwing out expired can goods from two decades ago. But while we adult children are busy cleaning out and dumping STUFF.....our adult parents are really not finding anything funny about the process. In fact, you really need to be gentle....and go slowly. Packing up an older person's things, especially if they have been widowed is for many a very emotional time.

Socks and Coffee Can Be Emotional Triggers

Even throwing out an expired jar of coffee can be difficult for someone who attaches fond memories to that jar of coffee and the days when they went shopping to the grocery store together as a couple to buy the week's (or decade's) coffee.

If you think food can bring back memories...old socks can do the same thing. Frankly, everything a person owns can become a sentimental experience.  Go slow.....it's not easy packing up a lifetime!

Tips To Ease The Emotional Experience Of Downsizing An Older Parent

1. Offer to store family pictures and albums.
2. Consider placing extra boxes in storage unit.
3. Bring along a small curio cabinet or small China cabinet to new apartment to display keepsakes.
4. Build wall shelving or add open book shelf type cabinet to display keepsakes in new place.
5. Gift items to meaningful charities.
6. Pack important items in plastic boxes of different sizes that can stack under bed or in closet in new place.
7. Think out of the box...do you need to bring big couch or can comfortable chairs work better?
8. Donate extra linens, towels, sundries etc to Shelters

Readers please add your suggestions in the comment section, we would love to hear from you.

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 Mom And Dad Price Collectibles To Sell: What Not To Throw Out

Do You Know If Mom And Dad's "Junk" Are Really Collectibles?

If you are the adult child of  parents who are getting on in years, you may find yourself in the position of helping mom and dad sell collectibles. But do you know what is currently hot and what is not? This article is to help you think more carefully before you toss out some really great collectible items unintentionally.

Defining Collectibles

First I will start with a clarification of what is a collectible.
You will get a variety of answers to the question: what is a collectible?  The simpliest response for our purposes is that a collectible is an item of interest to others that has gained popularity. It can be 40, 60, 70, 80 years old or even five years old. While some experts in the field think of collectibles as items that are from the 50's and 60s up unitl the 80s, I am categorizing collectibles more broadly. To me a collectible is a item that has gained interest by others in the marketplace.

Beanie Babies: Collectibles That Are Collecting Dust

Remember when everyone was collecting Beanie Babies? At the time of the Beanie Baby madness these plush toys were hot in demand. Now they appear to be fur ball clutter in most closets. So "collectibles" have a time related significance. Collectibles can come into importance or become old news.

A collectible like an antique may have significant monetary value(or not), sentimental value or collecting interest to a specific group of loyal collectors. Many "collectibles" are buried in basements and attics and are ignored by owners who are not familiar with collecting trends.

Finding A Jar Of Swizzle Sticks    

For example, dad may have a jar filled with swizzle sticks in his basment that are of considerable interest to the many swizzle stick collectors out there. You may think of this collection as worthless junk but hold on...swizzle sticks are collectible.  Now let us suppose you discovered a cache of swizzle sticks, how would you know if you had common ones or a stash of goodies?

How To Evaluate Collectibles You Discover In The House

 You might visit online auction sites (ebay), selling venues (Etsy.com) , antique stores, markets and social networks such as my site I Antique Online.com to find out what particular collectibles are fetching and which ones seem popular.You can also search the internet for a particular collecting group such as "Emphemera society" for old paper items  or "swizzle stick collectors" for your barware.  Of course you can visit the library and read up so many different collectible topics.  Keep in mind that books get outdated very quickly, but you will still be able to learn quite a bit from expereinced collectors who have written about their collectibles.

What You May Find In The Basement, Attic, Garage, Closets, Drawers That Could Be Collectible  DONT THROW OUT

OLD   =  1960s and earlier  (for the list below)

1. old sewing buttons
2. old advertisng tins i.e. coffee, powder, talc
3. old wooden boxes
4. old wrapping paper (especially Christmas)
5. swizzle sticks

6. old children's books
7. old garden tools(even rusty ones)
8. decks of playing cards
9. corkscrews
10. post cards
11. old greeting cards especially Valentines
12. old letters and correspondance
13. old linens, tablecloths, curtains, aprons
14. old kitchen utensils
15. old razors, barber, beauty items
16. old 45 records with jackets
17. old games and toys

18. old books
19. old Christmas, Easter, Halloween and holiday decorations and ornaments
20. old school related items
21. old office supplies i.e. staplers, sharpeners...even pencils
22. typewriter ribbon tins
23. unused painting sets and coloring books and other art supplies
24. sequined fruit
25. war and military related  items
26. boy scout and girl scout memorabilia
27  souvenir glasses
28. political memorabilia
29. marbles
30. old recipe booklets
31. old catalogs
32. old birthday candles in orginal box

Readers please add to this list, it will be great to hear your experiences.

Photo Credits

Playing card image  http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/vintagejunque/3320985/golfing_scotty_scottie_dog_mini_deck_of_vintage_playing_cards/vintage/ephemera/cards

Birthday candles:http://pinterest.com/turtlelovebug/vintage-birthday/

For more information  

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. 

and 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

Helping Mom And Dad Sell Antiques, Collectibles, Art When There Are Beginning Signs of Dementia

Helping Older Adults Downsize When There Are Early Signs of Dementia 

A few years ago, my dad was beginning to liquidate the contents of his home. He began by trying to sell his paintings which he had acquired in his more prosperous years. With a turn in the economy he was hoping to sell off some of his paintings to help pay the bills.

Saying Good Bye To Art And Collections

It was indeed a very sad state of affairs when dad had to part with the paintings he had collected for many years. At that time dad still had his memory and cognitive abilities. He knew how to evaluate who he was getting advice from and he was still actively engaged in the world at large.

Helping Parents Sell Antiques And Collections: Estate Liquidation

But what happens when a parent begins to develop early dementia and slowly begins to slip away from the world at large.  Should they be selling anything on their own? This post is to open up the conversation about helping older adults participate in downsizing before they are having progressed symptoms of dementia. And by all means, keep mom and dad always in the loop, gently helping them with the process.

Keeping An Eye On What Parfents Are Sellng And When

If you are the adult child of a parent who is an Octogenarian or even older you will probaly find yourself involved sooner or later in the care of that parent and the liquidation of  heirlooms, collectibles and valuables. It is best to keep on eye on the situration as early as possible. If you suspect that a parent is starting  to have trouble with memory, activities of  daily living  or managing their household and finances etc. they will certainly need help in dealing with  Auction houses, galleries, Antique stores etc. Even if your parent(s) has modest collections, you still want to evaluate what you have before you accept any offers.

Intervening Early When A Parent Starts Showing Signs of Dementia

The time to step into the situtation is before the symptoms of dementia as described below are observed. However if you find yourself already in the middle of Mom or dad's dementia, you may want to take a more active role in deciding what goes where and when.

You will also need to get legal authority, so be sure to consult an attorney to establish a Power of Attorney so you can advocate for a parent who needs your help.

How I Antique Online.com Can Help With Resources And  Information

If you do not have a background in antiques, collectibles or art you may want to join my free site I Antique Online.com. This is the largest social network on antiques and  collectibles. With over two hundred group forums on every imaginable topic related  to  antiques, you will find lots of helpful information and resources. We welcome new members and you wil find a very congenial atmosphere . This is a great community to help you learn more about the collectibles you are evaluating and the options available to you for liquidation.

I especially urge you to visit a group on the site I Antique Online.com called "Estate Mavens: Help With Estate Liquidation" . I co-moderate this group along with Julie Hasll aka The Estate Lady.

Signs Of Early Dementia

Some of the signs that a parent might show when there are early signs of  dementia are :

1. Confusion about what bills to pay.
2. Paying the same bill several times.
3. Unopened mail.
4. Disorganized workspace.
5. Comfusion on how to use computer and send and receive emails.
6. Pulloing away form uusal activities i.e. reading the newspaper, going food shopping.
7. Not eating and drinking properly, getting dehyddrated.
8. Poor grooming, not shaving, not bathing.
9. Mixing up the names of children, forgetting important events and milestones.
10. Change in personality

Photos were taken at Antiques On The Farmington, Collinsville, CT

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

Getting Help With Estate Liquidation For Elderly Parents

Introducing Estate Mavens: Help With Liquidation A New Group On I Antique Online.com

As the editor of I Antique Online.com, I hear from a lot of people who want to know how to go about selling their parent's stuff. Everyone always asks "who should they call". Antique dealers who have been in the business for a long time and who may own their own store, are quite familiar with the customer who strolls into the shop with a box of "goodies " that they may have found while cleaning out mom's house.

Is Your Stuff Of Interest To An Antique Dealer?

Many shop owners enjoy digging through boxes of "stuff" brought to them by "walk-ins". It's always amusing to me to watch a seemingly sincere customer drag in a box of JUNK trying to convince the shop owner that valuable treasures are to be had!


Who Can You Trust When Trying To Sell Mom And Dads Antiques And Collectibles?

On the other hand, there are those times when a customer arrives to their neighborhood antique shop after dumping out the contents of mom's dresser drawer into a shoe box, and the shop owner realizes that there are indeed valuable pieces of jewelry amongst the junk. A trustworthy dealer will be straight up with their valued customers, but how do you know who you can trust? And let's face it, as the Reality T.V. Shows have demonstrated, you can't be an expert on everything. Some people know documents, others are more familiar with furniture, while others are specialists on jewelry.

Introducing Estate Mavens: A Group Forum

When you are trying to sell off mom and dad's stuff, you need to know more about who you are consulting. I have just added a new feature on my site I Antique Online.com called Estate Mavens: Help With Liquidation a group forum to offer tips and resources with the liquidation of an estate. Here you will learn more about how to deal with mom and dad's stuff.

Co-moderating this new group with me is The Estate Lady, Julie Hall. Please come visit us at Estate Mavens for help when you are coping with downsizing, soriting and selling an estate.
Read More:

How To Divide Your Family's Estate And Heirlooms by Julie Hall

Boomer Burden: Dealing With Your Parents Lifetime Accumulations by Julie Hall

Photos taken at http://www.millerscrossingct.com/

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.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists