Whether a senior resides in an assisted living community or a several-story home, someone’s got to do the cleaning. Arthritis and other problems associated with aging can make everyday cleaning a problem for seniors. Help your loved one keep their home clean safely with these tips:
Go Room by Room
Many people dedicate one day a week to cleaning. For example, they may sweep, vacuum, do laundry, clean the windows, and change the sheets every Sunday. This can be difficult for those with chronic pain or mobility limitations, and it can deplete their energy quickly. Instead of wearing themselves out, encourage your senior friend or loved one to start small in one room at a time, or even with partial tasks. This dramatically reduces the time and effort required to tackle an entire house or apartment.
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Use Helpful Tools
While a rag and some white vinegar will do the trick for most cleaning tasks, these options are limiting. Seniors should look into tools that can make all cleaning tasks more manageable. For instance, dusting is much faster and less painful on arthritic bodies with the help of extendable dusting wands. They can better reach high and hard-to-get-to places without much maneuverability and flexibility. Some cleaning solutions are better than others, too. Disinfectant wipes and quick messes are great for the bathroom because your loved one won’t have to add laundering rags to their to-do list. Also, look for a lightweight vacuum that easily transfers from one floor to the next to minimize stress and reduce the potential for safety issues.
If your loved one cooks, encourage them to clean the dishes and other messes as they occur.
Address Messes Quickly
The longer a stain sits, the more difficult it is to clean. From wine spilled on the carpet to spaghetti sauce splotches on the counter, these little messes can become lasting marks if they aren’t wiped up immediately. Seniors can maintain a healthier apartment, especially in the kitchen and bathroom, by addressing messes as they occur. Keep cleaning wipes on hand for quick issues, and also use a plastic brush with a large rubber handle for easy gripping. Try to avoid using harsh-smelling chemicals like bleach because these can be unhealthy for the lungs, especially for individuals who have asthma or breathing trouble. For seniors, cleaning up as they go is a great way to avoid dedicating a whole day to this task and will help keep their homes mess-free.
Ask for Help
Seniors may not be able to tackle cleaning themselves. This calls for weekly assistance from friends or loved ones who can pop in to take care of some of the more complex tasks. Offer to do the senior’s laundry, vacuum, and do the dishes. Or, consider hiring a cleaning company if the individual lives at home. Many senior living communities offer additional services like cleaning help, where someone comes in once or twice a week to clean the floor, kitchen, and bathroom and do laundry. This is just one of the many advantages for seniors who live in senior communities.
