One of the most challenging aspects of preparing for the best options for Mom or Dad is deciding the right time to establish a plan for aging-in-place or moving. Whether your discussion with your parents is virtual or face-to-face, it’s crucial to develop a strategy to declutter before it becomes a safety concern or necessity. Assisting your senior loved one in finding new homes for their belongings or clearing out clutter provides numerous benefits for healthy aging, such as enhanced mental clarity, reduced stress levels, and a lower risk of injury. These advantages can positively impact their quality of life both now and in the future.
When is the right time to talk about organizing and decluttering with my parents?
If either of your parents is experiencing breathing difficulties, a tidy, clutter-free home can reduce exposure to harmful allergens that could aggravate respiratory issues and trigger allergic reactions.
If mobility is a challenge for one or both parents, an organized home can minimize hazards. Clutter obstructing walkways can increase the risk of slips, falls, and trips for them or visitors. Clearing and organizing the home contributes to a safer environment.
If either parent has a weakened immune system, a cleaner living space is less likely to harbor viruses, bacteria, and fungi that could make them sick. Streamlining their possessions and ensuring a clean home can protect them from harmful pathogens.
If they live in a larger house, your parents may hesitate to navigate a cluttered, dark, or damp basement, attic, or storage area. Organizing these spaces can help manage pest issues and allow you to assess any potential damage to the home.
Now that my parents are aware of the risks, how should we proceed with clearing space?
Start by creating a plan after evaluating which areas of the home require the most attention.
Experts at Clarity Wealth Development recommend beginning the organization process by assessing your loved one’s circumstances. Identify potential issues by checking if the attic, basement, or garage is overcrowded, or if kitchen cabinets or pantry shelves are filled with expired food items.
Develop a calendar or schedule.
Carol Bradley Bursack, a contributor to AgingCare.com, suggests having a dedicated calendar for tracking appointments, entertainment, respite care, and other engagements related to your loved one, which can be very beneficial.
If you are comfortable with technology, consider using electronic calendar apps that allow you to create separate entries for different purposes. Another advantage of digital tools is the ability to share appointment details with other members of the care team.
Address any hazards or items stored on floors and stairs.
As we age, mobility can become more challenging. It’s crucial to remove items such as worn rugs, excess furniture, exposed cords, or anything that obstructs a clear path. EverydayHealth.com experts advise inspecting each room and hallway for loose carpets, slippery throw rugs, or uneven floorboards, and then repairing, removing, or replacing those items to enhance fall prevention.
Ensure the home is bright and open.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, seniors often require more natural light but may struggle to obtain it. Blue light, a part of the natural light spectrum, plays a vital role in maintaining healthy bodily rhythms. Decluttering can make a room feel more spacious and lighter. Experts recommend using brighter bulbs, displaying colorful artwork, and opening windows, curtains, and blinds to let in more natural light.
Organize essential items in easily accessible locations.
As we age, reaching for items or bending down can become more difficult. Placing important items in conveniently organized areas can simplify access when needed. Industry expert Sabrina Quairoli advises positioning stored items between waist and upper thigh height, which is particularly useful for medications. It’s also important to discard expired medications and unnecessary prescriptions.
Create a securely locked space for important documents.
Keeping essential information, paperwork, and records organized and easily accessible is key to simplifying daily tasks. Senior care experts at aplaceformom.com suggest having readily available items like official records and copies of vital financial, legal, and health documents, which can save both time and money.
Organize bills in a designated secure workspace.
Gathering financial information is crucial for tracking income, bills, and payments. AARP experts recommend sorting quickly by grouping similar items together, such as documents, paid and unpaid bills, receipts, and other financial statements. After sorting, arrange these documents in categorized binders or folders.
Decluttering and organizing your parents’ home may be a larger task than you can handle. Recognizing when to seek help is the first step in successfully preparing Mom and Dad for relocation or aging-in-place. Caring Transitions can save you weeks or months of work sorting through cherished belongings with significant sentimental value.
Ready to develop a plan to declutter? Contact us! We’re here to help.
Sources:
https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/financial-legal/info-2018/organize-financial-records.html
http://www.caringtransitions.com/blog/ID/1054947/Long-Distance-Caregiver-Checklist-Documents-to-Create-Keep
http://www.caringtransitions.com/blog/ID/1345303/Decluttering-to-Keep-a-Senior-Loved-One-Safe
https://www.claritywealthdevelopment.com/news/5-tips-helping-aging-parents-get-organized/
https://sabrinasorganizing.com/tips-for-organizing-an-older-seniors-home/
https://www.everydayhealth.com/longevity/future-planning/prevent-falls-at-home.aspx
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/strategies-for-getting-and-staying-organized-while-caregiving-164830.htm
http://dailycaring.com/declutter-older-adults-living-space/
https://www.ourparents.com/care-topics/2017/07/25/dealing-with-the-dangers-of-clutter/
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/natural-light-sleep-health