As our parents age, it is normal for their homes to get cluttered and disorganized, as they have accumulated a lot of possessions over the years. However, disorganization can be dangerous for your senior parents and make aging more challenging. Here are six valuable tips to help you make your elderly parents’ living spaces safer and more comfortable.
Communicate with your parents
Before starting this endeavor, you must discuss it with your parents first. No matter how well-intended your intentions are, your efforts will be pointless if your elderly parents are not on the same page. Sit down with them and offer your help. Listen to their sentiments objectively and respect their boundaries. Instead of enumerating your organizing objectives, communicate them in a manner that they can clearly see the benefits of. Avoid nagging and forcing them to comply.
Evaluate your senior parents’ home
The first step to organizing your aging parents’ home is evaluating their space. Identify high-traffic areas and potential hazards. Ask your parents about their common home concerns so you can focus on these places first. Check the spots they often frequent or where they usually store their belongings, such as closets, kitchen pantries, garages, medicine cabinets or vanity, laundry areas, and bedrooms.
Start decluttering
Once you have your parents’ consent, you can now start the decluttering and organization process. Help your parents identify the items they would keep, sell, discard, and donate. Start with the least sentimental objects and concentrate on the most cluttered and disorganized areas.
Gently explain to your senior parents how less stuff means fewer items to remember. If they’re having difficulty letting go of items they have kept or hoarded because of sentimental value, offer to take pictures of them so they can have digital memorabilia.
Utilize multipurpose storage solutions
Simple and efficient storage solutions are integral to ensuring your senior parents’ home is organized and clutter-free. Limit the items on their shelves or in heavy storage containers, as it will be extra challenging for your loved ones to retrieve them. Use clear and small boxes or containers so they can easily see its contents. Sort your senior parents’ paperwork and categorize essential documents. Create a filing system, digital or manual, that suits their lifestyle needs and preferences.
Rearrange furniture
Your senior parents’ furniture arrangement can significantly impact their home’s organization. Heavy items in high-foot traffic areas can make walking difficult and unsafe for them. Since your parents are already accustomed to how their furnishings are laid out, remember to discuss this task with them first. The last thing you want is for your parents to have emotional breakdowns because of these drastic adjustments.
Reevaluate after a few weeks
After a few weeks, visit your parents to check if their home is still organized. Ask them how they are adapting to the changes and if there are areas they want to improve further. If they’re happy with their living spaces and see no issue maintaining them, then you can feel reassured that they can comfortably enjoy their golden years in the safety of their precious home.
On the other hand, if it is difficult for them to keep everything organized or they have serious medical or age-related conditions, it would be best to explore alternatives such as home care assistance or assisted living facilities. If your senior parents reside in Minnesota, there are various Minnesota assisted living communities that they can visit and consider.
Endnote
Your elderly parents need a well-organized home to age gracefully. Follow these tips, demonstrate compassion to your senior loved ones, and don’t hesitate to seek outside help if necessary.
