The days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer. That can only mean one thing: Spring is almost here! As the weather begins to change, it’s also time for a good old-fashioned spring cleaning. If you have an aging parent who needs help with spring cleaning, don’t worry — we’ve got tips for you.
Spring cleaning is not only a terrific way to keep organized, but it may also help seniors avoid injuries and falls caused by clutter. There are also fewer possessions to comb through if your loved one must move into different housing in the future or if they need to hire an Ohio in-home care organization in the future..
In this article, we will provide some tips and advice on how to make the process easier for both of you.
Begin small
Choose one or two places to work on at a time, rather than the entire house in one day. Give your elderly parents activities that are both safe and within their ability, such as washing down countertops, packing up winter decorations for storage or organizing shoes into matching pairs. It can be less overwhelming to break down enormous jobs into smaller chunks.
Provide options
If you have too many things for the space you have, it’s time to downsize. Request that they choose one or two items to retain, instead of multiple items that are the same. Discuss how much it would help others if they donated any extra items to those in need.
By providing options, you’re also helping to keep them mentally stimulated. If they are struggling to get rid of something for sentimental reasons, work out a deal where they can store it away and revisit the decision later.
Label and organize
If your loved one is capable, have them help label boxes with what goes in them. If they are not able to do this type of task, take on the responsibility yourself. This will make it much easier for whoever cleans out their home in the future.
Create a checklist
A checklist will come in handy not only during spring cleaning, but throughout the year as well. Sit down with your parents and help them create a list of tasks that need to be completed around the house. This can include things like dusting, vacuuming, mopping, laundry, etc. Once you have a complete list, you can help your parents prioritize what needs to be done first.
If aparent is resistant to the idea of creating a list, offer to do it for them. You can even put it on the fridge or somewhere else where they will see it every day. This will help to keep them accountable and on track.
Check on them regularly
As your parents get older, it’s important to check in on them regularly to make sure they are staying safe and healthy. This includes checking in on them during spring cleaning. If you live close by, stop by their house unannounced every now and then to see how they are doing.
If you don’t live close by, it’s important to check on them regularly to make sure they are doing well. This is especially true if they live alone. If you live far away, you can set up weekly phone calls or video chats. You can also hire a professional caregiver to check on them in person. That’s why Ohio in-home care is such a great option for elderly parents, as it provides them with a sense of community and regular check-ins from caregivers. Always keep an eye on things in their environment to see if they may need more help than they currently have.
Pass items down
Passing items down will encourage your parent to get rid of things they no longer need and make way for new items. One way to do this is by organizing a garage sale or donating unwanted items to charity.
If your parent is hesitant to let go of certain items, consider passing them down to you or another family member, as they often will want to keep them in the family. This is a great way to declutter their home and make room for new things.
Remove any potential safety hazards
As we age, our homes can become more dangerous. This is especially true if your parent has a lot of stuff. During spring cleaning, be sure to remove any potential hazards to their safety. This includes things like loose rugs, cords that are not properly secured and cluttered walkways.
Using an Ohio in-home care service like ours can also help your parents declutter and keep them safe.
Conclusion
Spring is a time for new beginnings and fresh starts. For seniors, it can also be a time for rejuvenation and improved health. Follow these simple spring cleaning tips to help your aging parent get ready for the warmer months ahead. By decluttering their home, increasing physical activity and adding some fun into their day-to-day routine, you can help them feel refreshed and invigorated as they also head into the season of life that awaits them.
At Cherished Companions, our caregivers try to make sure that our clients are safe and healthy, which includes checking to remove any potential hazards in their living environments.
For further questions, to request resources, or to inquire about having your loved one utilize our services, contact Cherished Companions today on our website or call (440) 484-5390.
+ Bonus Caregiver Questions To Ask Before You Choose An Agency
- Get recommendations. Talk to healthcare professionals in the field, your mom or dad’s doctor, and any friends or family members you know who have worked with a home care agency previously. Ask them which agencies they have had the best experience with and find out what they think about each provider you plan to contact. Look online for reviews and ratings. Do they have a lot of reviews? Look for independent review sites that have verified reviews such as bestofhomecare.com and look for agencies that have awards. See if they are accredited through the BBB and if they have an A+ rating.
- Check references. The agency should supply a list of references such as health agencies, rehabilitation facilities, social workers and other providers they have worked with. Call these references and ask them whether they regularly refer patients to the agency and what sort of feedback they have heard from clients.
- Consider the agency’s technology innovation. Does the agency have an online portal where you can view care plans and communicate with caregivers? Do they respond to communication quickly? Can you access information about your loved one via mobile? These are all useful ways to stay informed about your mom or dad’s care.
- Understand their process. Will you have the opportunity to interview caregivers? What happens if the caregiver isn’t a good fit? Will the same caregiver serve your loved one at each visit? How does the agency provide accountability for quality of service?
Download Your Guide
We understand the importance of finding the right caregiver for your family member. The questions included in this guide will help make this process as straightforward and informative as possible.
Give your mom or dad the gift of independence at home with quality, compassionate in-home care.
{{cta(‘004c753b-1102-4902-8dbd-81225424a3b3′,’justifycenter’)}}
