When their living spaces are calmer and simpler, seniors experience better overall well-being. Reducing that clutter can feel like a bigger task than aging adults are ready to tackle, though. Between home care and compassionate family caregivers, it’s entirely possible to reduce clutter and help seniors simplify their homes.
Why Decluttering Matters
An organized home is a peaceful home. When seniors live in a cluttered environment, it’s difficult to find things when they need them and it can impact safety. Reducing clutter automatically minimizes tripping hazards, especially if seniors need to use mobility aids to get around. Tidier spaces help seniors feel less overwhelmed and they’re easier to take care of, either alone or with the help of elder care providers.
Start Small
Focusing on one small area at a time helps seniors to avoid overwhelm with decluttering. Home care providers can help them to choose an area to tackle while keeping the process manageable. There are a lot of decisions to make when decluttering, so it helps to know there’s a limit.
Sort and Group Items Together
Whether it’s a drawer in the kitchen or a shelf in the linen closet, items can be sorted into three main categories. Items to keep, items to donate, and items to throw away are usually the categories used in decluttering. If seniors aren’t sure about some items, it might help to find another location to store those “maybe” items temporarily.
Prioritize Essential Items
Items seniors just can’t part with or that they use all the time are considered essential. These items need to be easy to access once decluttering is done. In the kitchen, that might mean putting cooking items in a drawer or cabinet that is more centrally located than its previous spot.
Clear Pathways
Removing clutter from pathways is a crucial step in the process. Rearranging furniture can be an easy way to clear a path for aging adults to use to move through their homes. Home care providers can help to keep these pathways clear once they’re decluttered and rearranged.
Respect Sentimental Items
Sentimental can be among the most difficult items to declutter. If these items are ones seniors know they want to pass on to a family member or friend, now might be the time. Sometimes taking a picture of the item is a way to memorialize it once it has moved on to another home.
Get Help with Maintaining Progress
Maintaining progress afterward helps keep the home safe and peaceful for aging adults. Home care providers can take care of light housekeeping for seniors, making it easier for them to keep their homes tidy. They can also help seniors stay on top of clutter, reminding them about rules like “one in, one out” that help them keep clutter from coming back.
Simplifying their homes can help seniors feel better about their spaces. Decluttering also helps aging adults create space for comfort and peace. Home care providers establish routines that make it easier to give these ideas a try.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Papillon, NE, please contact the caring staff at Caretech today at (402) 697-5121
Caretech provides the best care services for seniors and families throughout Nebraska including Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Grand Island, Kearney, Fremont, Norfolk, Hastings, Columbus, Papillon, North Platte, La Vista, Scottsbluff, South Sioux City, Beatrice, Lexington, Chalco, Gretna, Gering, York, and surrounding areas.
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