SPRING CLEANING TIPS FOR SENIORS
Spring has sprung, at least in most of the U.S., and with the season comes warmer weather, budding blooms and increased daylight. Springtime is also a symbol of renewal and like birds, many people feel inspired to re-feather their nest, cleaning, de-cluttering and sprucing up their homes and their lives. In fact, spring cleaning was an annual ritual for many seniors and they continue the tradition today.
Fortunately, modern products such as anti-bacterial wipes, natural-ingredient cleaners and hand-held vacuums as well as electrostatic dry mops and mitts make the process much easier these days. However, some tasks may require a level of physical strength or flexibility that is beyond the ability for some seniors, so don’t be afraid to ask for assistance from family members, friends or professionals to help out with yard work, home repairs and cleaning.
Help seniors tackle spring cleaning safely.
- Before you begin spring cleaning, first remove any possible tripping hazards, such as piles of newspapers and magazines that may have accumulated over the winter as well as removing any rugs or mats that may have been placed by entryways. This is also a good time to look for and repair any tears or gaps in carpets or linoleum.
- Keep any eye out for any areas around the residence that may reduce the risk of a fall by adding hand rails, such as along stairways or in the bathroom.
- Pack up and put away winter decorations and put out some spring décor, such as bright throws, pillows or flowers.
- Consider purchasing a small, hand-held vacuum that is lightweight and battery-operated to eliminate the risk of tripping over electrical cords.
- Reduce the risk of slipping on outdoor surfaces by placing non-slip strips on floors, porches, decks and patios.
- Take down and clean draperies, curtains and blinds before cleaning the windows. You can always bring draperies and curtains to a local dry cleaner and hire a professional to wash the windows to save time and energy.
- Take any lawn furniture, grills or outdoor equipment out of storage. Wipe down or hose off any dust or grime and place back into desired location. Remember to test any hoses for leaks and make sure they are easy to operate and store when not in use so they will not be left lying across a yard or patio.
- If planning on doing any gardening, offer to take the senior to a garden center so you can help lift any bags of mulch, decorative stones or soil as well as plants and flowers at the store as well as assist with preparing the garden or yard back at home.
Spring cleaning checklist for seniors.
- Decrease any clutter to reduce the risk injury from falls or accidental fires as well as from attracting insects or rodents. Start by cleaning out the refrigerator and pantry, discarding any expired or stale products, and then organize cabinets by placing the most frequently used items in an easily accessible location.
- Check all indoor and outdoor lighting, replacing any burned-out bulbs and installing new lighting in any dimly lighted areas.
- Take an inventory of the medicine cabinet, checking all items for expiration dates and discarding any unused medications. Make sure all medications are clearly marked as well as stored in a cool and dry but easily accessible location.
- Replace the batteries in all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors as well as test each one to ensure it is working properly.
- Locate a fire extinguisher in the home and make sure it is placed in an accessible and obvious location, so that your loved one as well as friends, neighbors or family members can easily find it in case of an emergency.
- Create a list of current emergency contacts, including current doctors, relatives, friends and neighbors as well as local hospitals, police and fire department. Post the list on the refrigerator and near a phone as well as distribute to any relative emergency contacts.
Downsize and reorganize
Beyond traditional spring cleaning, this is also a good time to reorganize, especially if you might be selling a home or planning a move into an assisted living community in the near future. As you clean, you can also de-clutter, separating out items that can be donated, given to family and friends or discarded.
Most items can be sorted into one of the following categories:
- Items to donate
- Items to recycle
- Items to throw away
- Items to keep
Find out where the donation and recycling centers are located within the community and if there are any restrictions on the types of items that can be donated or recycled. Depending on the value and quantity of donations, you may be eligible for a tax break. Therefore, you should created an itemized record anything you are donating, perhaps even taking a photo of the items to make record-keeping easier, and always remember ask for a receipt. If you are planning to donate large or heavy items, such as furniture or appliances that still work, consider calling a charitable organization, such as the Salvation Army at 1-800-SA-TRUCK (1-800-728-7825), to discuss a pick up of your items.
Help your elderly and aging loved ones maintain their independence and safety and if the time has come when you or a family member is no longer able to live independently, contact CalRegistry to discuss the options and learn about assisted living services and facilities available throughout California.