Aging and Life Enhancement
By Kathryn Kilpatrick, M.A.
As the promise of warmer weather increases, perhaps “spring cleaning” has come to mind. While many older adults have a traditional system, it may start becomining more of a challenge for someone in your life who could benefit from some assistance.
If they have lived in the same location for many years, it is likely, for safety reasons, that some assistance would be helpful, although not necessarily welcome. It may require carefully approaching the situation first by observing what the concerns are, then carefully offering your input, sometimes in baby steps.
“There are only four kinds of people in the world: Those who have been caregivers. Those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need a caregiver.” ~Rosalyn Carter
For many of us, as motivated as we may be, it can be overwhelming to take on big tasks — from deep cleaning to taking inventory of expired foodstuffs and medications, and organizing closets — then discarding or donating items with attached memories; it can feel nearly impossible. Add to that any limitations with vision, dexterity, balance and endurance, which may make it challenging to even stay with the task.
In addition, it is those less obvious issues that often do not come to the surface until situations like sorting and reorganization become a necessity. Cognitively, physically and emotionally, it can stir up some concerns not usually noticed when staying within a familiar routine.
The best way to get something done is to begin. ~Author unknown
Organizational skills when there are some cognitive issues can be a challenge. Then they may struggle with the idea of discarding or donating some items that have special meaning. That is never easy for some of us (myself included). One grandchild was recruited to take pictures of the special items that were taken away and later they created an album with a few sentences about the picture to capture important remembrances.
Memories are timeless treasures of the heart. ~Author unknown
Another challenge is putting many items in a new location, perhaps with similar items. When when trying to recall where they were put later, it can be more than frustrating. Find a unique small notebook where you can list the items and their new location, then put it in a place easy to remember.
Looking at the bigger picture, maybe this spring cleaning season is the time to not only help with the decluttering process, but also to address safety concerns. Other aspects of spring cleaning when supporting an older adult or someone with limitations in movement, vision, endurance or cognition is to do a safety sweep.
- Test smoke and carbon dioxide detectors. Replace batteries. Replace air filters and put stickers on them, stating the most recent replacement date.
- Check for expired medications, pain relievers, over-the-counter medications and supplements.
- Clean out the pantry and refrigerator. Discard any foods past their freshness date.
- Since sorting can create piles of things outside their regular location, prevent falls by not placing any piles on the floor. Scatter rugs are a major fall risk, so consider safer options or remove them entirely.
Clutter is nothing more than postponed decisions. ~Barbara Hemphill
What about using safer cleaning products? The importance of using non-toxic products has become a popular topic due to possible health effects. Maybe you can start gradually switching out to safer cleaning products as well as getting rid of the older products that have been in your cupboards for a long time.
The list is extensive and recent research promotes these changes for overall well-being, including your brain health. Those air fresheners and scented candles are also best to be eliminated. One of the resources you may want to explore is the EWG (Environmental Working Group) site, where you can search for product details and find out which products are less toxic for your consideration.
Are medication labels easy to read? If not, find a workable system to duplicate the details in larger print and keep it with the medications. Since that list may need to be updated periodically, establish a system to make sure that information is easily readable for the older adult.
Remember to use lightweight containers as you reorganize your items. Labels should be large print. Perhaps include a list of items in the box and/or have a notebook where you list each box (perhaps by number) so you can more easily locate a specific item.
We can all make a difference in the lives of others in need because it is the most simple of gestures that make the most significant of differences. ~Miya Yamanouchi
