Blog: Senior Spring Cleaning Tips for Families

We are a few weeks into spring 2013. It’s the time we think about opening the windows and bringing in the fresh air of the season, and tackling some of the traditional tasks of spring cleaning.

Spring cleaning can also open the door to checking in with older family and friends and incorporating wellness checks on potential age-related conditions as you offer to assist with spring cleaning tasks. Who couldn’t use help with these chores while enjoying interactive time with you? Here are some tips:

Closets: Reorganize and assist with storing out-of-season clothing and discarding out-of-style clothing. Take a look to make sure clothing is being kept clean and well maintained.  

Alert: Vision loss, such as Macular Degeneration or memory loss, from Alzheimer's Disease, or difficulty keeping up with laundry may result in wearing the same clothing for days at a time.

Bathroom: Clean and organize the bathroom medicine cabinet. Take inventory of the medications; check dates and discard old or no longer prescribed medications. Review unused items; are medications being taken regularly, or as prescribed?. Note any unfamiliar new medicines or care products. Check to see if the shower or bathtub are in need of repair.

Alert: Are Use non-skid floor coverings and consider installing grab bars or a raised toiler seat.  in place? Is it time for a raised toilet seat? Is theEnsure the tub or and shower are easily accessible? Bathrooms can offer fall risks for seniors with mobility issues. Check the dates on prescriptions and medication along with the quantity remaining to determine whether the medication is being taken regularly or as prescribed. Create a list of current and previous medications with the medicine name, prescription date, doctor’s name, dosage and other important information.    

Kitchen: Clean out the refrigerator. Are there any buried treasures with expiration dates long passed? Does it look like they are eating a nutritious diet?  Check all appliances to make sure they are functioning properly and that there have been no equipment damages due to misuse.

Alert: Eating regular meals is important for good health at all ages. Discuss the daily meal plans to see if additional kitchen tools might make meal preparation easier or if the senior needs help in diversifying their menu. Consider a meal delivery service or develop a list of dinner ideas. 

Living Room: Remove and clean curtains, vacuum and shampoo the carpet and dust and clean furniture. Check for tripping hazards due to floor coverings or power cords. Does the furniture need to be re-arranged for easier use? 

Alert: Check to see if it looks like a daily routine is being maintained and notice if reading or television watching have decreased, which could be signs of vision or hearing loss.

Bedroom: Change bed linens and check to see if bedding has been changed regularly and, or whether the bed is being used.  if they have been sleeping in the bed.

Alert: Seniors will sometimes begin to sleep in an easy chair or sofa instead of their bed due to a variety of conditions from depression to new physical conditions such as back, neck or leg pain. New bed linens or a new mattress may be needed to assist with more comfortable, healthy sleep.

Driving: If the senior is still driving, take a ride with them to the grocery store or to run an errand to make sure they are driving safely. Check the car and garage to make sure there are no dents or damages from inappropriate driving. 

Alert: Seniors who inappropriately drive risk their lives and the lives of others on the road. Learn about the senior driving laws in each state and how to find assistance if it is time to take the keys away. A transportation service can be a simple, cost-effective way to get around and still maintain individual independence.

Usually a loved one or friend will agree to have you help with their spring cleaning because you are spending interactive time with them. In turn, you will be more likely to notice any changes in their care needs and make necessary arrangements in order to prevent an emergency later.

InTouch at Home is a Senior Resource Group, LLC (SRG) company. Serving the needs of seniors and their families for more than 20 years, SRG delivers on the promise of exceptional service and quality care each and every day through its 18 communities including La Vida Real (Rancho San Diego) and La Vida Del Mar. For more information, call 858-522-9942 or visit InTouch-at-Home.com.