With spring comes a task that many seniors want to avoid because it can be a draining and taxing task for your older loved one. While many seniors think of it as an opportunity to clean, de-clutter or downsize, we want to make sure their home is safe as well. Finding the perfect balance of care in senior living helps your loved one take advantage of their spring cleaning tradition.
At Brickmont Assisted Living, with senior living communities throughout Atlanta, Georgia, we believe in providing compassionate care and personalized assistance to seniors. We help them create a conducive and safe place so that they can love where they live and live where they’re loved.
Here are our top five spring cleaning tips for seniors!
Sort and Refill the Medicine Cabinet
The medical needs for seniors may change frequently. Because of this, it becomes even more important to take care of their medicine cabinet. Put together an up-to-date list of all the medicines they take regularly. Make sure it’s stocked up with all the relevant prescriptions, over-the-counter medication, and a first aid kit.
Sort and store the medicines with easy to read labels. The labels help to ensure your loved one does not accidentally confuse their medications. It also helps caregivers to identify any missed doses and take corrective measures.
As you clean out the medicine cabinet, check for expired medicines and any leftover prescriptions. Scratch out any personal information on labels and orders before you recycle or dispose of them. Always practice FDA approved medicine disposal methods. You can also look for centers in your area that will take expired and unused medications!
De-clutter Space
Do a walk-through your senior’s living space to get rid of anything that no longer serves a purpose. Sort the items into a keep pile, recycle pile, and donate collection as you go through the closets, counter spaces, and drawers. If your loved one is in an assisted living community, ask your friends and neighbors if they want any of the things you no longer need. Try donating the rest to charity!
Evaluate Outdoor Walkways
When it comes to spring cleaning, many seniors forget about the outside of the home! Make sure the outdoor walkways are safe and free of any hazards like cracks, protruding nails, or unstable handrails. Evaluate all the outdoor walkways, hand railings, wheelchair ramps, sidewalks, driveways, and even garden paths to ensure that your loved one can move about the property safely.
Compile and Organize Important Documents
Gather and sort all your financial, health and legal documents in one drawer. Organizing the important documents will save you time, money, and stress in case of an emergency. Remember to mark the drawer for easy identification for quick assistance.
Assess Your Loved One’s Living Arrangements
As your loved one ages, they require more attention and medical assistance. Assessing their senior living arrangement for safety and comfort is essential. Here are some things to consider:
- Check the fire safety measures like smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers are in working order and not expired.
- Put together an emergency kit with water, non-perishable food packets, flashlight with batteries, blanket, and conventional medicines.
- Eliminate any rugs so that your loved one does not accidentally trip.
- Replace the light bulbs and install a night light.
- Install hand bars in and around the bathroom and near the toilet.
While spring cleaning is difficult and stressful, the work is worthwhile. After cleaning up, your loved one’s home will be much cleaner and safer than before. Remember to be safe, take your time, and have fun!
To learn more about assisted living, elderly care and more, subscribe to our blog. If you’re ready to explore senior living options in Atlanta, Georgia, contact Brickmont Assisted Living today!
.png){kind=logo}