Decluttering Tips for Seniors: When the Elderly Stop Cleaning

It can be remarkable when we look around and see how much stuff we have accumulated as we age. Additionally, house cleaning for the elderly becomes challenging as it becomes more difficult to move around, bend, squat, and lift like we used to. Seniors often give up and stop cleaning all together. 

The problem arises when the clutter makes it difficult or dangerous to move around the house or find crucial items when needed. When elderly stop cleaning, sanitary concerns can also emerge.

Whether you decide to declutter simply because you need more room, you are preparing to downsize, or you are worried about hygiene, the task can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help get you started. 

Decluttering Tips for Seniors

1. Start small. Start with one room. If that is too much, start with one closet or one drawer in the kitchen. Small goals provide a sense of accomplishment once completed and motivate you to keep going. 
2. Sort. Make piles to keep, throw away and donate. You can also make a maybe pile if your elderly loved one isn’t sure about an item. Decluttering for seniors can be stressful as they get rid of items they have had for a long time, and a maybe pile takes the pressure off. 
3. Remove hazardous items. Cleaning for seniors requires a savvy eye to watch out for safety and health. Make sure expired medications are thrown away and look for tripping hazards that should be removed, like old rugs or cords that cross walkways. Anything that can’t be fixed should be removed. 
4. Do a 90-day test. Seniors are often reluctant to get rid of items they have had for a long time or things they feel “might come in handy someday.” Put these items in a safe space for 90 days. If an item hasn’t been touched after three months, that is a sign your loved one can live without it and it can be thrown away. 
5. Get rid of duplicates. Ever lose your scissors so you buy a new pair and the original scissors instantly reappear? You probably don’t need both pairs of scissors. Getting rid of the duplicates will save space and make it easier to pack up and downsize if and when it is needed. Kitchens, bathrooms, and offices are spaces that frequently house duplicates. 
6. Everything in its place. Organizing while house cleaning for the elderly is a huge help. This will help you find duplicates and also make it easier to find items when needed. TV remotes should stay near the TV, books should be on shelves, and kitchen items should stay in the kitchen. Think about that random piles of things on the counter your loved one just didn’t get around to sorting yet – probably there are things in that pile that can be thrown away. 
7. No multitasking. Multitasking while decluttering is a good way to get distracted, misplace things, or simply give up and put off cleaning until later. Stay focused. Set a timer so you don’t give up too soon and so you have a definite end point to motivate you to keep going. 
8. Storage. Use a storage system that makes sense for you and your loved one so you can find what you need and everything has a place. Be mindful of the weight of bins and needing to climb ladders or bend down for access. 

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If decluttering is simply too much for you and your loved one to tackle on your own, you can often find local housekeeping help for seniors. A Google search will quickly connect you with locals and of course provide reviews so you can choose the service that is right for you. Many of these services also provide ongoing cleaning help for seniors as well, that way you aren’t cleaning your own house and your loved one’s house regularly. 

To learn more about our home care services, contact our caregiving team today at 1-800-GRISWOLD or find a Caregiver near you.