About one out of three older adults that live in the community fall one time every year. Older adults also may have sensory impairments, that include hearing and vision impairments. An altered depth perception can also occur as adults age. (Edelman & Ficorelli, 2012) Falls are a primary concern for older adults and clutter in the home can greatly contribute to decreased safety, especially if an older adult has sensory impairments! Clutter also can reduce the ability for an older adult to safely leave the home, in case of an emergency. It also can decrease their ability to perform their daily routines with increased independence!
How can you go about helping reduce an older adult’s clutter, to increase their safety, and how can you go about discussing it with them?
First, approach the topic tactfully. Offer help and discuss the concern as tactfully as possible, to not increase frustration. Secondly, understand what the root of the problem is. Identify if it is due to lack of mobility or a health condition that limits their ability to keep their space clean and organized. Third, assess the home – look at all rooms to identify what limits mobility, what is a safety hazard, and what is the most important area to take care of first. Fourth, take it one step at a time. Instead of approaching the whole house, take it room by room. It can be overwhelming to approach the whole house at once. Lastly, create an organizational plan for how to declutter. (5 ways to help seniors get rid of Clutter, 2021)
What are some ideas for reducing clutter?
- Add storage space – when adding storage, make sure important items or daily items are in an area that is easy to access
- Have a garage sale
- Encourage a yearly spring cleaning to continue to keep the space de-cluttered
- Identify if the items are going to friends or family members, so your loved one knows the items are going to a good place
- Look at lightning. Identify if there is enough light and look at having lights that can’t be bumped into or where cords can’t be tripped over
- Hire an organizational service
(Cemental, R., n.d.)
Talk to Home Therapy Solutions, to have our occupational therapists and physical therapists come into your loved one’s home. We can provide education after assessing your loved one’s home, on how to increase their safety and independence in the home!! This includes reducing clutter, identifying trip hazards, and education on moving items to increase your loved one’s safety! Reducing clutter and increasing an older adult’s independence, will increase their overall health and well being. Call us today! 218-230-2171
Resources Utilized:
- 5 ways to help seniors get rid of Clutter. Home Care Assistance Newcastle. (2021, May 11). Retrieved July 16, 2022, from https://www.homecareassistancenewcastle.com.au/helping-elderly-people-declutter/
- Edelman, M. A., & Ficorelli, C. T. (2012). Keeping older adults safe at home. Nursing, 42(1), 65–66. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.nurse.0000408481.20951.e8
- Cemental, R. (n.d.). How to help your senior reduce clutter. Caring Senior Service. Retrieved July 16, 2022, from https://www.caringseniorservice.com/blog/how-to-help-your-senior-reduce-clutter
