Your mom’s having a harder time with housework. Arthritis pain limits her mobility, and certain household chores are impossible for her to handle on her own. It’s time to get her home organized and figure out how to make it easier for her to age at home. Hiring in-home care providers can be part of the solution.
Where do you start?
Stairs
Any clutter on the stairs needs to go. If your mom is walking up or down her stairs and doesn’t notice a pair of shoes in the dark, she could fall. Clean up her stairs of any items. If she has to store items like gloves or pet leashes on the stairs, put them in a basket and add LED puck lighting that illuminates it.
Check that the rails are sturdy. If the stairs are carpeted, make sure that the carpeting is tight and that there are no rips or wrinkles that could cause a fall.
Shower Area
The shower area needs to be cleared of any obstacles. If there is no room in a storage unit for shampoo and body wash, it cannot sit on the floor. It may be time to look into suction cup storage or a caddy that your mom carries into the shower with her. A non-slip mat can help prevent a fall while she’s showering.
Office/Den
An office or den is a great place for your mom’s dog’s toys and bed. It’s out of the way and keeps toys contained. When her dog brings a toy out, your mom needs to get in the habit of returning the toys before going to bed at night.
Living Room
Living room furniture needs to be arranged in a way that ensures your mom isn’t falling over items or stubbing her toe as she walks through to the kitchen or bathroom.
Laundry Room
Your mom’s laundry room may be in the basement. It’s a common location in older homes. The stairs need sturdy rails and bright lighting to help her avoid a fall. If that’s difficult, look into having in-home care aides do the laundry for her.
Kitchen
Small appliances and dishes that your mom uses frequently need to be accessible. Items that she rarely uses should be on the upper shelving. Have a step ladder that folds up handy if she needs to reach something that’s stored in a high cupboard.
Garage
The access stairs to and from the garage need to be clear. If she parks her car in the garage, make sure there’s room. Plus, verify that nothing is in the way of her opening her car door and getting in and out of the car.
Entryway
The entryway needs to be clutter-free, and it’s also an area most likely to be lined with clutter. When your mom comes in, does she have a place to hang her coat, put on her boots or shoes, and hang her purse? How about pet leashes? A bench is helpful for putting on shoes before she leaves.
Deck or Patio
Decks and patios can get slippery when it rains and freezes. Packed snow is also icy. Someone needs to keep those areas cleared of snow and ice. An eco-friendly deicer or sand is helpful for traction.
Bedroom
Finally, go through the bedroom and clear any clutter. Freshen the mattress with baking soda and a vacuum. Consider the path she takes to get to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Make sure nothing is in the way that could catch her toe.
Once your family has cleared the clutter, enhanced safety, and deep cleaned each room, hire in-home care aides to keep it that way. An in-home care specialist can go over prices and schedules and help your mom get set up with in-home care.
