A cluttered home can be a dangerous home. Hallways and doorways that are blocked by clutter are hard to navigate, especially for anyone with mobility problems. Dust buildup, old food, and unsanitary areas will pose a multitude of health issues if left ignored. There are so many things that can go wrong and a variety of safety hazards in a messy home. If your senior loved one is having difficulty maintaining housekeeping, it’s a sign that they need assistance at home.
Organize Before Cleaning
Decluttering isn’t just about tossing as many things as possible. Take the time with your senior loved one to sort out items and personal belongings. Some things may hold special memories and it would be devastating to discover that it was accidentally thrown out. It would be helpful to organize things into storage boxes or containers with easy to read labels. Make sure that your loved one is involved in the organization process so they can remember where everything is. After you have successfully separated important and essential items from the clutter, it’s time to start cleaning.
Set a Schedule
Unless the home is cluttered from top to bottom, try not to elongate the cleaning process. It’s best to set a schedule and tackle everything in a day or over the weekend without distractions. That way everyone involved can stay committed and focused on the task ahead. A helpful tip is to make a list of what to do, such as:
- Organize important mail and bills.
- Check your loved one’s prescriptions and properly dispose of anything expired or anything that’s no longer prescribed.
- Clean out the refrigerator and give the entire kitchen a good wipe down.
- Dispose of any expired food and restock with fresh goods. During this, keep an eye out for rat droppings or any signs of an infestation.
- Ensure that all walkways, entry ways, and exits are clear of clutter and easy to navigate.
- Sort through old clothing and do the laundry.
- Clean and sanitize the bathroom.
- Sweep and mop the floors.
- Mow the yard or hire a gardener to take care of the front and back of the house.
Encourage Involvement
No one likes others going through their things without permission. As you declutter the home, always try to keep your loved one involved in the process. They may not have the energy or physical capability to actually help in cleaning, but it’s still thoughtful to ask their opinion on things. Such as asking where certain items should go or how they would like things arranged. Remember that this is their personal living space and livelihood.
Rely on a Professional Home Helper
We understand that life can get very hectic with things coming up out of up nowhere. If you have trouble maintaining housekeeping for your loved one, we can help. Home Instead Senior Care provides compassionate in-home care services that includes personal care, light housekeeping, meal prepping, grocery shopping, transportation, and much more. Learn more about how we can help by visiting our website.