If you are helping a senior organize their space to increase the ease of independent living, consider these pointers from Gale Force Organizers.
- Safety is a priority. Get rid of hazards like stacks of newspapers, loose cards, and unsecured rugs.
- Dispose of expired food in the frig in the pantry. Create a list of items eaten most often so grocery shopping is streamlined.
- Donate items that are not being used. It gives new life to it and clears space in the home.
- Give old rooms a new purpose. Sit down and help your loved one dream about what they wish they had in their home. Maybe it’s an office, gym, craft space, or a sunroom filled with plants. Rooms need a purpose to prevent them from becoming a drop zone.
- Repair anything that is broken.
- Store medications by user if there is more than one person living in the home. Medications should be available by dose and schedule. Using pill boxes that are labeled by day and time are easy to set up.
- Prioritize everyday items. Ask your senior, “what can’t you get through your day without” and then keep these items easy to reach.
- Be sure essential items are visible, including cell phone, clock with the day of the week on it, a cell phone charger, and the TV remote.
- Streamline linen and bedroom closets. Clear things not used at least monthly. Keep the floor space clear of tripping hazards.
- Encourage your senior to manage their mail. Every day when they bring in the mail, immediately sort it right over the trash bin. Throw away advertisements, unwanted solicitations, flyers, and any mail that isn’t needed. Then have a space for their bills and correspondence that need attention. Commit to tackling this stack or file each week to stay ahead paper!
