As the snow melts and the flowers bloom, spring often feels like a fresh start to a new year. The warmer weather invites not only outdoor activities, but also the chance to finally get those household chores done that most people have put off all winter. Many combine the season with a deep cleaning of their home and welcome spring with a fresh and new living space. If you have an aging parent, especially one who lives alone, it’s important to make sure the home is well-maintained to avoid illness and injury. Below are five tips to help your aging parent with spring home cleaning.
Create a Spring Cleaning Checklist
Reorganizing a space that has not been thoroughly cleaned in a year can be overwhelming. Before you begin, sit down with your parents and discuss which part of the home needs to be cleaned first. A thorough cleaning of the entire house involves many tasks, from washing windows to dusting to mopping and vacuuming the floors. That’s why it’s important to create a spring cleaning checklist to make sure you have completed all the tasks.
Check Their Medicine Cabinets
Your elderly loved ones may have more prescribed medications that are important to maintaining their health, so it’s important to declutter the medicine cabinet. Check the expiration date on all medications and properly dispose of the medications your elderly parent can no longer use. Once the cabinet is cleaned out and reorganized, replace any missing medications that your parent needs.
Check Detectors and Alarms
Smoke detectors and carbon dioxide detectors protect your home from serious damage. Detectors are often mounted on the ceiling, which can be difficult for older people to reach. Help your elderly parents check that their detectors are working properly and remember to replace dead batteries with new ones.
Refresh the Kitchen
The refrigerator is a place that is often overlooked when it comes to spring cleaning. It is ideal for long-term storage of items, but can lead to a buildup of expired and unused food. Another good idea would be to wipe down the entire inside of the refrigerator. This will eliminate spills and ensure that all nooks and crannies are clean and safe for food storage.
Evaluate Home Safety
As people age, lifestyles and needs may change. To further clean your aging parent’s home and ensure their safety, take some time to assess potential hazards in their living area. For example, many items can cause tripping hazards, such as rugs that get tangled easily or slippery floors. Reducing the clutter on the floor in your parent’s home will not only make it more comfortable, but it will also give you peace of mind when you are not there.
If you are unable to make your parent’s living conditions safer, or if you have an aging parent who needs care, you may also consider a new living arrangement. Retirement communities like Discovery Commons Cypress Point are a great alternative when it comes to quality, care, and comfortable living. In addition to a wide range of amenities and exclusive programs, there are also professional team members who can take care of your parent’s needs. Contact Discovery Commons Cypress Point today to learn more.