Tips for Easier Senior Chores

By Zandrea Durham | August 19, 2019 | Comments Off on Tips for Easier Senior Chores

Seniors who live independently often have to struggle with the same chores they’ve always performed even as they have less energy as they age. However, there are many ways to manage chores so seniors can enjoy independent living while maintaining their house.

Elder Care Thomaston GA - Tips for Easier Senior Chores
Elder Care Thomaston GA – Tips for Easier Senior Chores

Manage sizes carefully

Many seniors may not feel comfortable having to lift a gallon of vinegar or handling a spray bottle that requires repeated squeezing. One way to make their chores easier is to make cleaning implements easy to use. This can be done in several ways.

  • Smaller trash bags will fill up more quickly, but are easier to carry when full.
  • Look for easy sprayers meant for those with arthritic hands.
  • Dilute cleaning sprays from large heavy bottles into smaller ones of manageable size.
  • Make cleaning supplies accessible by putting them in a carrier.
  • If they like to garden, help with heavy living and moving soil.

Tackle projects in phases

Home repair or maintenance projects that would have taken one day in the past may need to be spread over several days. If you are helping your senior with a project, break it into manageable parts and make sure to leave the area navigable in between phases.

Keep a schedule

If chores pile up, it can be difficult to know where to start in a messy home. Writing and sticking to a daily cleaning schedule can help your senior plan more effectively. It also makes it more apparent if there are chores that aren’t getting done regularly. This can indicate that your senior has difficulty with some aspect of a project or chore, such as heavy lifting or difficulty with something requiring dexterity.

Reduce what needs to be cleaned

Reducing old clothes, unused furniture or simply getting rid of junk can make it much easier to clean since there is less clutter. This also makes a safer area for your senior since every item will have its own area and there will be clear pathways throughout the home. Vacuum bags can be used to store winter clothes to maximize space in closets and make summer clothes more accessible. Taking unused items to donate can clear space and help your senior feel good about their living space.

Outsource the tough stuff

Your senior may not be up for extensive gardening or landscaping any longer, so hiring help can keep their home looking nice while protecting their health. A regular maid service can also benefit elders by giving their home a thorough cleaning on a regular basis. This means they just need to keep up with daily maintenance like dishes and laundry.

Hire additional help

Elder care providers can provide additional support around the house and keep things moving efficiently. Elder care providers are there to support seniors and caregivers alike by reducing the burden of care for both. They help with light housework, provide care and comfort to seniors and the peace of mind of an additional resource. Sometimes cleaning can be made easier with an extra pair of hands.

https://www.thespectrum.com/story/news/local/mesquite/2018/08/11/savvy-senior-how-find-help-home-chores-and-small-jobs/938823002/

If you or an aging loved-one is considering Elder Care Services in Thomaston GA please contact the caring staff at Angels of Mercy Private Homecare Services, Inc. today at 478-745-5111.

Zandrea Durham
Latest posts by Zandrea Durham (see all)
Posted in Elder Care Thomaston GA, Home Care and tagged