Decluttering is an important step in helping seniors age in place in a safe and comfortable home. Belongings accumulate over time, causing clutter that increases the risk of falling, makes daily tasks more difficult, and causes stress. With some planning and an open mind, seniors might find it easier to declutter than they expected. And home care assistance can offer help keeping up with the decluttered space afterward.
Tripping Hazards
Anything that can cause seniors to trip needs to be examined more closely. Loose cords, slippery rugs, and stacks of items can all cause seniors to trip and fall. Home care providers can help aging adults take a closer look at what items are taking up space that could be removed from the house.
Excess Furniture
Too much furniture makes it difficult to safely navigate the house and makes rooms feel crowded. This is especially a problem if seniors use assistive tools like a walker or wheelchair. Removing even one piece of excess furniture can make a big difference in safely maneuvering through the house.
Unused Kitchen Items
Kitchens are magnets for unused gadgets and other items that seniors may not need anymore. With a ton of unused or outdated items in the kitchen, cooking might feel like more trouble than it’s worth. Clearing those items out frees up space and even energy that helps seniors focus on eating healthier, more consistently.
Old Paperwork
Piles of old paperwork and old mail aren’t just confusing to sift through. If there are enough of them, those piles can be safety hazards on their own. Sifting through them might not be feasible, but it’s important to separate out what is truly urgent with what can be shredded or simply tossed. Home care assistance can help seniors make quick work of those piles so they can disappear for good.
Old Clothing
As seniors age in place, they may find that they’re holding onto items like clothing that just don’t fit their current lifestyle. They may need clothing that is easier to put on and take off, for instance. Or their clothes may require cleaning techniques that are just too complicated for how they live now. Going through these clothes and donating or disposing of what no longer works frees up space for other storage.
Sentimental Items
Decluttering sentimental items is a touchy subject, and for good reason. But sometimes the items with deep sentimental value can go to new homes now, when seniors can witness how happy they make other family members and friends. When those items also free up space for seniors to live more comfortably and safely in their own homes, that’s a big bonus.
Seniors may resist the idea of decluttering because they don’t want to get rid of their belongings. But in some cases, removing some of these unused items can make a positive difference for seniors. Home care assistance can help aging adults find the categories for decluttering that are most likely to make a difference in terms of safety.
If you are considering home care assistance in Summerlin, NV for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Summerlin. 702-800-4616
