As the days start to get longer and the sun begins to shine, it's the perfect season for a good spring cleaning. Spring cleaning is not just about tidying up, but it can be very beneficial for seniors' health and safety. Find out why it's important to declutter your loved one's home and get tips on how to begin your spring cleaning session.
Remove Hazards for Health and Safety.
It's never a bad idea to start safety-proofing your elderly loved one's home before spring. Take note of any items that may become tripping hazards and clear them out of the way. Make sure all pathways are clear, so that your loved one can move around easily without any obstructions. Installing non-slip rugs or mats in common areas can also help prevent falls and injuries.
Minimize Vulnerable Areas Around the Home.
Spring cleaning can be a great way to minimize the risk of injury or health complications in your loved one's home. Take time to go through their living space and search for any dangerous or hazardous items which could lead to break-ins, fires, falls and other accidents. To make it smoother, give them an extra hand by replacing items that are too old or broken and dispose of anything that is no longer needed. By taking proactive steps like these, you can ensure the safety and well-being of your senior loved one now and in the future.
Reorganize Storage Spaces for Easier Access.
An organized home is a key component for seniors living safely and comfortably. Clearing out cluttered, hard-to-reach areas in the home can make it easier for your loved one to get around without fear of tripping or falling over items. To do this, declutter, throw away any expired or unused items they don't need, and reorganize those that are useful into designated storage spaces. Make sure all items that they use on a daily basis are placed within easy reach so they don't have to strain to find something. This can not only make it easier for them to access what they're looking for - it will also save them time so they can spend more time doing the activities they love!
Encourage Entertaining with a Refresh of Living Spaces.
The spring refresh isn't complete without getting the living areas feeling more cozy and inviting. This is particularly useful if you have family members or friends who don't live with the elderly loved one but visit regularly. Small changes can make a big difference, so rearrange furniture to make it easier for entertaining, buy some new cushions or decor to spruce up the space and perhaps even introduce some low maintenance plants that can provide some color and life! Not only does this give a sense of renewal, but seeing visitors is sure to make your loved one feel better about their surroundings.
Create an Environment That Promotes Independence and Mobility
As people age, physical mobility can become an issue. Doing a little bit of spring cleaning and reorganizing can help older adults become more independent and active by creating an environment that is safe for them. Pick up area rugs to stop any slipping, remove small furniture items that may be tripping hazards, clear any clutter from walkways, hallways, and entrances, and remove loose electrical cords from the ground. Other simple things such as adding more lighting or night lights can help create a space that is safe for seniors to navigate both during the day and at nighttime.
Spring cleaning is an important and often overlooked part of transitioning into retirement. Caring Transitions can help seniors declutter their homes and make the transition easier. Our team of professionals can also provide assistance with estate planning to help create a stress-free retirement. Use this spring as the perfect time for deep cleaning and get organized! With Caring Transitions, you can let go of your worries about organizing for retirement and embrace a fresh start.