It is time for spring cleaning and it is a tradition to clean up our homes. Spring cleaning gives us a chance not just to make our homes tidy, but also an opportunity for senior caregivers to ensure a safe environment for a senior person with disabilities.
Our homes used to be heated by coal fireplaces and furnaces and this resulted in a lot of smoke and soot. It was during the spring cleaning that the soot and dirt were removed and it was a big process. These days, spring cleaning need not be very much involved and there are many new and improved ways to tidy our homes. If you are planning to spring clean the home of your senior loved one who is living alone, the tips shared below by our experts in assisted living and senior living will help you understand potentially high-risk areas and improve them easily.
Potential High-Risk Areas And Cleaning Tips
Stairs: Stairs are a potential high-risk area for seniors and you should watch out for worn carpeting, poor lighting, loose railing, etc. If the stair carpeting is old, make sure to remove and replace it as old and worn carpeting can be uneven and can pose tripping hazards.
Bathroom: If there are no grab bars or railings near the toilet, or in the shower, you need to get them installed. You can ask your senior loved one for suggestions on where to install railing or grab bars. This can ensure the proper placement of these items.
Entrance/Exit: Look for mats by the door, uneven stairs, poor lighting, old railings, and steps that need repair. Make sure to replace or repair shaky railings. In addition, ensure that the floor mats are properly secured to avoid slipping and tripping hazards.
Bedroom: In the bedroom, see if the bed is too high or too low, look for clothes piled on the floor and chairs, poor lighting and small scatter rugs.
If you are not in a position to make so many changes to the home of your senior loved one, you can update the home lighting. Eyesight drastically decreases with age and inadequate lighting can lead to falls and broken bones.
In the opinion of senior living and assisted living experts, if your senior loved one is able, you can have your loved one help with small home improvements. This can offer an activity to do together and it can also help start a conversation on other areas of concern.