For seniors who have lived in the same home for years or those who are downsizing, organizing can be a struggle. However, organizing and decluttering a space ensures ease of movement throughout the home, making seniors safer. Adding senior home care can help seniors work through these tasks in a supportive way, allowing them to feel they’re still in control. Consider the following steps for decluttering and organizing to help extend seniors’ safety in their homes.
Start With the Most Used Rooms
The most used rooms in the home are typically the kitchen and the living room. These are also the two rooms that often have the most clutter. The key to effective organizing is to make sure seniors have a voice. Instead of removing items and directly donating them, talk with seniors about a temporary removal to see how they adjust. For instance, eliminate extra pots and pans by storing them for three months. At the end of the time, seniors will often realize they don’t need them and agree to the donation.
In the living room, examine the furniture and the room’s layout. Can items be eliminated from the room for better flow? Again, working with seniors will give them a sense of control and help them feel valued. Additionally, senior home care professionals who are in the home and see the day-to-day functioning can provide insight as to what changes are needed.
Look at Storage Solutions
Every good organizational plan incorporates storage solutions. When assessing the furniture in the home, consider changing pieces out for furniture that has storage. If seniors use their end tables daily, but they are cluttered, look for end tables that have storage. This way, the space looks more organized, and seniors do not feel like they’ve lost anything. The same concept occurs when adding a coffee table with storage or a bookcase. Many furniture options are available for the home that improve flow while being functional.
Keep Items Within Reach
For items that seniors use daily, it is essential to have them within reach and organized. This is easily done with baskets or totes that hold items, but it goes beyond that. Consider how seniors function throughout the day. If they have coffee each morning, can the things they use to make the coffee be stored together?
Storing items that are typically used with each other in the same area is a great idea. Be mindful not to make too many changes at once, however. This can frustrate seniors, which detracts from the benefits of organizing the space. Work with senior home care providers on what items should be stored together. With their knowledge of the daily routine, senior home care professionals can offer valuable insight.
Organizing is a Continuous Task
Organizing and decluttering aren’t often a “one-and-done” thing. Usually, both must be done every few months to maintain the benefits. This includes going through the pantry and refrigerator to ensure they’re both cleaned out and items are easily accessible.
Remaining consistent also allows seniors, loved ones, and senior home care team members to evaluate what works with the changes and what doesn’t. Additionally, as seniors age and new considerations arise, the consistent organization allows them to transition through the changes readily.
Any changes in a seniors’ home can cause tension and frustration. When loved ones work with supportive senior home care workers, they work as a team to ensure the changes are for the best.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Senior Home Care in Thorndale, PA please contact the caring staff at Harmony Companion Home Care today. (610) 910-6015
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