Many seniors live in homes filled with a lifetime’s worth of memories. In some instances, these items just take up space and have no use in the senior’s life. If this sounds like your elderly loved one’s home, it might be time for him or her to get rid of the clutter. Doing so can preserve your loved one’s health in many ways. Here are just a few of these advantages.
Breathe Easier
Items that aren’t used much are often covered with allergens such as pollen and dust mites. Getting rid of clutter and its related contaminants can lead to better air quality in your loved one’s home. Even if your loved one doesn’t have asthma or severe allergies, a clutter-free home can help him or her breathe easier.
From decluttering their homes to preparing healthy meals, older adults may require assistance with a wide variety of daily activities. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Fair Oaks seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.
Reduce Stress
A senior who lives in a cluttered home may feel overwhelmed, depressed, and anxious, but removing the clutter may help him or her feel more at peace. A study conducted by researchers at UCLA’s Center on Everyday Lives of Families determined clutter makes anxiety, depression, and stress worse.
Prevent Accidents
A cluttered home can be full of accidents waiting to happen. Removing the excess clutter and rearranging the remaining items so they’re easily accessible can keep your loved one from tripping or having difficulty reaching for an item, which could lead to broken bones or other injuries. If your loved one has a physical disability, a neat home can help him or her move through it more easily.
Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional elderly home care seniors can trust and rely on.
Get Some Exercise
A senior who begins decluttering his or her home with the help of a family member can get a great overall workout. Your loved one can make it a goal to get his or her home and body into better shape by organizing one room at a time within a specific time frame. Lifting and cleaning makes the arms and legs stronger and gets the heart pumping. When your loved one’s home is finally clutter free, he or she may also feel a sense of pride and accomplishment that enhances his or her emotional health.
Decluttering can be a difficult task for older adults with serious health issues. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a Fair Oaks home care service agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services. Rely on the professionals at Home Care Assistance to provide high-quality compassionate care for your loved one. Give us a call today at (916) 485-4663 to learn about our flexible in-home care plans.