Home Instead Senior Care Offers Tips for Tidying Up

OMAHA, Neb., April 25, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- As people age, keeping up with the physical demands of housework can become more challenging. Spring is a great time to check in on older loved ones and spend time engaging in the annual ritual of spring cleaning. Freshening up a home can reduce clutter, improve overall mood and create a healthier environment for seniors to enjoy.

"Tidying up the home not only makes people feel happier, it can help seniors stay safe and healthy," said Lakelyn Hogan, gerontologist and caregiver advocate at Home Instead Senior Care. "Even small tasks like replacing dim light bulbs, tossing outdated mail and dusting shelves can make a meaningful difference."

In addition to removing dirt and grime, spring cleaning also provides health benefits for older adults. Even small tasks such as dusting or wiping down counter tops can help seniors stay active. And decluttering can reduce hazards that might lead to falls. The National Council on Aging estimates one in four adults age 65 and older fall each year, resulting in 2.8 million emergency room visits.

Home Instead recommends the following tips for tidying up this spring:

• Make a checklist. Write down everything you and your older loved one would like to get done. Tasks may include washing windows and curtains, wiping out the refrigerator, scrubbing the floor, etc. And be sure to check for these common hazards that may pose safety risks to seniors.
• Schedule it. Just like a doctor's appointment or other important commitments, block off time to devote to spring cleaning. Whether it can be done in one weekend or over several weeks, consider this time well spent with your loved one.
• De-clutter, then clean. Older adults who have accumulated a lifetime of belongings often have so much that it makes the home difficult to clean or live safely in. Don't just clean around the piles?tackle them first. But, avoid the urge to purge items without consulting your loved one first. Learn the 10 reasons seniors hang on to stuff and how to handle the clutter in a diplomatic manner.
• Involve your loved one. It's important to keep older adults engaged and active. Encourage seniors to participate in the process. If it becomes too difficult, suggest they take on a smaller task such as polishing silverware or organizing a stack of papers.
• Cleaning is caring. Spring cleaning doesn't have to stay within the four walls of a home. Encourage family members or friends to look around the neighborhood for other older adults who might need help. Some easy examples include clearing outdoor walkways or planting flowers. For more ideas on how to help neighbors, visit imreadytocare.com.

To learn more about Home Instead please visit http://www.homeinstead.com.

ABOUT HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE

Founded in 1994 in Omaha, Nebraska, the Home Instead Senior Care® franchise network provides personalized care, support and education to enhance the lives of aging adults and their families. Today, the network is the world's leading provider of in-home care services for seniors, with more than 1,200 independently owned and operated franchises that provide more than 70 million hours of care annually throughout the United States, Canada and 10 other countries. Local Home Instead Senior Care offices employ approximately 80,000 CAREGivers worldwide who provide basic support services that enable seniors to live safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. Home Instead Senior Care franchise owners partner with clients and their family members to help meet varied individual needs. Services span the care continuum ? from providing personal care to specialized Alzheimer's care and hospice support. Also available are family caregiver education and support resources. Visit HomeInstead.com. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE Home Instead Senior Care