With the slow burn of winter coming to an end and staying mostly indoors out of the cold, there is bound to be some build up around the house in the form of clutter and a little dirt here and there. With spring now upon us, there’s no time like the present to do a proper clean out and a refresh in the home!
There is something so therapeutic about a good clean out, symbolic of new beginnings – a fresh start. For seniors, it can also be a time for rejuvenation and improved health both physically and mentally. For some seniors however, cleaning just isn’t possible and enlisting the help of loved ones is a good way to get the wheels in motion.
My Aged Care also offers ‘Help at home’ for eligible seniors, which is subsidised by the government to provide assistance where needed around the home – there are options available. For those who aren’t eligible for ‘Help at Home’, it’s worth investing in this service, or seek support from loved ones who are in a position to help set you up for success.
So, where to start and what to consider can be daunting when it comes to cleaning your home, however, at Home Care Assistance, we are here to help and here’s how:
Checklist
It is always a good idea to work with a checklist. At Home Care Assistance, we help put a check list together of what is needed to be done around the house. This way you’re in control and avoid becoming overwhelmed by the tasks that lie ahead. It’s important to break down your time into small increments, for example tackling one room per day, which is manageable.
De-clutter
Spring cleaning is not only a terrific way to keep organised, but it may also help seniors avoid injuries and falls caused by clutter. As we age, our homes can become more hazardous. We can assist with light housekeeping, as well as removing unnecessary items such as cables, small household items and rugs to avoid tripping over. If a deep clean is required or larger items need moving, we can arrange for our dedicated Case Manager to enlist the services of a third party.
No heavy lifting
Maintaining as much independence as possible while living in place is great, but not at the risk of injuring yourself or falling over. Leave the heavy lifting to someone else to avoid any accidents!
Medicine cabinet
Most medicine cabinets fill up quickly, and before you know it, you’re struggling to close the door! It’s time to clean up. It’s important to ensure that the medicines you use on a regular basis are organised and labelled for easy identification and access. At this point you may be surprised to see just how many medications in your cabinet expired back in 2016! At Home Care Assistance we can arrange for you to be collected and driven to your local pharmacy to safely dispose of expired medication. If your medicine cabinet is high up, it may be worth considering to relocate to a more accessible cabinet or space.
Detectors and alarms
Another MUST for safety in the home is ensuring that all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are fully functional and have been serviced, as well as panic buttons and/or alarms installed in the home. Our Case Managers can help you set up an annual smoke alarm review service, we have a list of preferred referral partners we work with regularly. Many seniors have installed or own wearable alarms which also need to be tested regularly to ensure that they are in good working order.
Kitchen refresh
A kitchen refresh isn’t just about a deep clean, but also about cupboards and appliances. Home Care Assistance can help remove excess cutlery and crockery, as well as clean out your pantry and fridge to remove any expired food products. Anything that was previously high up, can be moved to a more accessible space. Appliances that are no longer needed can either be given to family or donated to charity. It’s also important to minimise harsh or harmful chemicals in your home to avoid respiratory issues.
Washing machine and dishwasher clean
Last but not least, a deep clean of appliances such as the washing machine and/or dishwasher is as easy as popping a cleaning capsule inside and setting an extra hot cycle for a deep clean.
In conclusion, keeping the home clean on a regular basis isn’t always possible as we age, but enlisting help will assist in maintaining a hygienic space and better air quality. If you’ve yet to do a spring clean in your home, with these tips you’ll be well on your way to a safe, organised home and sound peace of mind.
