An organized home is safer for a senior. Your aging loved one may find it easier to access what he or she needs when everything is clean. Living in a clutter-free home is also less stressful for an aging adult. Since many people tend to accumulate large amounts of things over the years, it’s often necessary to help seniors organize their homes periodically. These steps can help you work through the process while giving your parent the compassion he or she deserves.
Create a To-Do List
The first thing you should do is sit down with your parent to figure out where he or she needs help the most. Start with the most commonly used areas of the home, which often become disorganized quickly. Kitchen pantries, closets, and other storage areas are often in disarray. Your loved one may have other spots in the house he or she wants to add to the list, such as the garage.
Give Away Unneeded Items
Having too many items in one space is often the main reason for a disorganized home. Your parent can get things organized faster if he or she is able to identify items to give away or donate to people who need them. Keep in mind this part of the organizing process can be challenging for some seniors. Give your loved one time to think things over, and praise his or her efforts at downsizing.
Older adults with dementia often exhibit hoarding behavior, which can pose dangers to their health and safety. Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. Rocklin families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life.
Take Photos of Memorabilia
Seniors often hold on to sentimental objects that remind them of happy times. While it’s normal to have a few pieces of memorabilia around, these items can quickly add up. If your loved one balks at getting rid of sentimental items, ask him or her to consider taking pictures of them instead of keeping them. Pictures of letters, cards, and drawings from the grandkids all look great in a photo album, and this solution takes up less space.
Get Things Off the Floor
Having too many items cluttering up walking paths can create a fall hazard for seniors. Look for unused furniture in your parent’s home that can be sold or donated to free up some walking space. You’ll also want to find containers to hold pet toys, stacks of papers, and other items that tend to pile up on floors.
A professional caregiver can help your loved one keep his or her home tidy and free of clutter. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of elder care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
Find Easy-to-Use Storage Solutions
The best organizational system is one your parent will actually use. Try to avoid putting things on high shelves or in heavy bins your loved one will have difficulty accessing. Instead, consider simple solutions that work with your loved one’s everyday routine. Clear plastic shoebox bins are easy to lift, and seniors can easily see what’s inside them.
Work in Short Shifts
Trying to clear out years of built-up clutter is exhausting, and your loved one may occasionally get physically or emotionally overwhelmed. Try to work on doing just a small amount each day. You may also want to recruit a helper who can drop in daily to tackle some of the bigger projects. Doing a little bit every day will eventually get your loved one’s home clean and organized.
If your loved one has difficulty keeping the home organized because of limited mobility or an age-related condition such as arthritis, consider hiring a home caregiver to help. There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Home Care Assistance is a leading Rocklin senior care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life. Call us today at (916) 226-3737 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.