Spring cleaning is an age old tradition that many seniors (and others) continue to partake in on a yearly basis. Spring cleaning may involve airing out or cleaning rugs, opening doors and windows to invite clean fresh air into a home that’s been closed up all winter, and more. Spring cleaning time is also a great opportunity to inspect your loved one’s home to ensure it’s at the optimal level of safety.
With spring right around the corner, here are some great tips for caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) who want to lend a hand to their loved ones plans for spring cleaning routine this year.
If your loved one’s house needs a good spring cleaning, here are some tips to get you started:
1.Make a list of all the chores your loved one needs to complete. This may include cleaning rugs, curtains, scrubbing floors and areas that are difficult to reach, de-cluttering, cleaning windows and more.
2.Check old prescription bottles to ensure medications are still good and discard of those that are expired.
3.Clean out the refrigerator if needed and discard of any old or expired food items.
4.Remove any clutter that could cause a falling hazard.
5.Replace old batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors for safety.
6.Check light bulbs and replace burned out ones with new bulbs to ensure adequate lighting for safety purposes.
7.Assess the need for safety equipment in the home such as wheel chair ramps or grab bars.
8.Plan ahead for repairs and cleaning and ask friends and relatives for assistance if needed.
9.Allow your loved one with AD to get involved with the planning and implementation of spring cleaning according to his/her ability to help.
10.Assess the need for professional help around the house, use the yearly spring cleaning period to decide if there are patterns that need addressed in your loved one’s living conditions. It could be the perfect time to hire professional help for housekeeping or to assist in full time caregiving.
Learn more about caregiving and Alzheimer’s disease by joining our 25 lesson course, CLICK HERE to join at AlzU.org.
