Our Process:
ADHD & Memory Loss

It’s not just about the stuff. The manner in which our brains process and retain information can have profound effects on what solutions will and won’t work in our space. We believe having a foundational understanding of brain-based conditions compliments our skills and enhances our effectiveness. Our team members receive training on how executive functioning in the brain can impact organizing habits and challenges. 

Executive functioning plays a crucial role in several principles of organizing, such as goal-directed behavior, problem-solving, and decision-making. When these cognitive processes are affected by chemical imbalances, neurological or hormonal changes, or brain injuries, organization and structure become difficult to maintain. Simultaneously, systems and routines can provide valuable guard rails to reduce cognitive demands (like having to remember!) and keep everything in your life running smoothly. 

We are here to debunk the myth that all organizers are right-brained perfectionists. Several team members at Abundance Organizing have ADHD and have learned coping mechanisms and strategies to communicate more effectively, stay focused, and get organized. Some team members learned late in life they have ADHD. What a discovery to learn there is a reason so many routine tasks have been challenging! When we say we understand the struggle to get organized we know first hand what it means.

With our expert training and personal experience, we face any organizing challenge with compassion and curiosity. Organizing with instead of against ADHD looks like:

• Making it fun.
• Creating routines the whole family will use.
• Developing adaptations for ADHD and learning styles.
• Transferring our organizing and time management skills to you. You can do this!
• Gently guiding you through decisions. No more getting stuck.
• Eliminating the “mind mess” and feelings of overwhelm.
• Organizing workspaces to minimize distractions and create a conducive environment for focus.
• Creating customized paper and filing systems; thinking beyond file folders and filing cabinets.
• Enhancing visual cues in your environment.
• Getting creative and finding organizing solutions that are as quirky as you are. Nothing is off-limits if it works!
  
  

Organizing solutions can be particularly helpful for individuals experiencing memory loss. These strategies aim to provide structure, reduce confusion, and enhance the retrieval of information. Successful organizing strategies for clients with memory loss include:

• Building a trusting and respectful relationship.
• Collaborating with other stakeholders while keeping the client in the driver’s seat.  
• Decluttering to reduce distractions.
• Designating specific areas for frequently used items to make retrieval easier.
• Assessing the living environment for safety.
• Using communication methods that enhance understanding.
• Enhancing visual cues in your environment.
• Documenting decisions and wins.
• Using labels and photography.
• Moving you forward with patience and compassion.
  
  

Organizing services can have a huge impact on your daily life if you experience symptoms of ADHD or memory loss. Small tweaks to your environment can go a long way. We know exactly what works and what doesn’t.