Home Instead Senior Care Offers Tips for Spring Cleaning
OMAHA, Neb. (PRWEB) March 30, 2018 -- Many older adults find it difficult to keep up with regular housework as they age. This can lead to clutter, stress and safety risks. Home Instead Senior Care reminds families of a few simple tips for spring cleaning that can help seniors stay safe in their own homes.
There are many reasons staying organized and keeping the home clean become more challenging as people age. Mobility issues, cognitive disorders and mental health problems, such as depression, can all impact an older adult’s ability and desire to keep up with housework. In some cases, seniors unwittingly create safety risks in their homes by holding on to belongings they no longer need.
“A few easy chores, such as donating items that are no longer used, organizing the medicine cabinet or giving the home a deep cleaning can create a safer, healthier environment for a loved one,” said Lakelyn Hogan, gerontologist at Home Instead Senior Care. “Spring cleaning season is a good time to make small changes that can have a big impact on an older adult’s health and happiness.”
Companionship can be helpful for older adults that need to de-clutter their homes. If family members aren’t local or available to help, a caregiver can provide help with light housework. As spring cleaning season begins, Home Instead reminds families of specific steps to take to help older adults keep their homes safe and organized:
- Make a checklist. Write down everything that needs to get done. Tasks might include wiping out the refrigerator, removing clutter from walkways, replacing light bulbs, and more.
- Schedule it. Block off time specifically for spring cleaning. This could all be done in one weekend, or as one chore at a time over several weeks.
- Enlist help. The more people that can help, the better. If family is unavailable, a professional caregiver can assist with light housekeeping tasks like vacuuming and laundry.
- Involve your senior loved one. Despite any limitations an older loved one may have, keep them involved in the cleaning process. Have them handle simple tasks while the rest of the home is being taken care of.
- De-clutter, then clean. A lifetime of belongings often results in a cluttered and unsafe environment. The answer may not be to immediately throw all of the items away. It’s important to understand why somone holds on to a particular piece before deciding what to do with it. Remember to tackle clutter first - then clean.
Identifying signs of needed assistance and getting care are important in ensuring an older adult’s ability to age in a safe environment. For more information, visit CareGiverStress.com.
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ABOUT HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE
Founded in 1994 in Omaha, Nebraska, by Lori and Paul Hogan, the Home Instead Senior Care® network provides personalized care, support and education to help enhance the lives of aging adults and their families. Today, this network is the world's leading provider of in-home care services for seniors, with more than 1,100 independently owned and operated franchises that provide more than 60 million hours of care throughout the United States and 11 other countries. Local Home Instead Senior Care offices employ approximately 70,000 CAREGiversSM worldwide who provide basic support services that enable seniors to live safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. The Home Instead Senior Care network partners with clients and their family members to help meet varied individual needs. Services span the care continuum – from providing personal care to specialized Alzheimer’s care and hospice support. Also available are family caregiver education and support resources.
Dan Wieberg, Home Instead Senior Care, +1 (402) 575-5970, [email protected]
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