Being based in the Pacific Northwest, we experience our fair share of rain showers and we can confirm, April Showers DO bring May Flowers.
While the rain can put a damper on outdoor activities, it is necessary. Afterall, Spring is a time of growth and rejuvenation and water is a key part of that process.
Considering this time of renewal, Spring is naturally a great time to spur change and growth in our personal lives. One way to do this, is by cleaning out the old in preparation for the new season to come. This process is more commonly known as Spring Cleaning.
Did you know that the practice of Spring Cleaning has been around for a long time? In fact, over the centuries many cultures have developed their own traditions around Spring Cleaning. These include spring cleaning traditions for the Iranian new year and the Jewish Passover. Even more recently, pioneers would partake in Spring Cleaning after a long Winter of logs burning over the fire which would cause everything in the house to be covered by soot.
Although Spring Cleaning can be beneficial and necessary, it is often quite challenging and overwhelming. Before jumping headfirst into cleaning, read our 14 tips to help you and your senior loved one survive the annual spring cleaning.
How to Get Started Spring Cleaning
Make a Checklist
Even if your loved one keeps their residence spotlessly clean, we guarantee there is a long list of Spring Cleaning tasks that need to be completed. To make sure you don’t forget one of these tasks we recommend making a checklist. As an added bonus, checking things off the list is quite satisfying. If you are having trouble thinking of things for your list, checkout our Pinterest board here https://www.pinterest.com/wiserhomecare/spring-cleaning/.
Take Your Time
With so much to clean, spring cleaning can quickly become overwhelming. To avoid this, we recommend taking your time and completing your checklist of tasks over the course of a few days or even a week.
Know Your Limits
Just like taking your time, you need to know your limits when it comes to safely completing your Spring Cleaning. Working yourself past exhaustion will cause more harm than good. We also recommend refraining from moving heavy furniture. Finally, if you are not 100% certain you can safely clean tall windows or fans, then hire it out. The last thing your senior needs is a fall injury.
Enlist the Family
Spring Cleaning is a big chore for anyone, especially our senior loved ones. Enlist the help of other family members to make sure every item on the checklist is completed.
What to Clean
Clean out the Medicine Cabinet
Over the course of a year, medicine cabinets tend to accumulate a variety of random medications from colds and medical issues throughout the years. Not only do expired medicines do you no good, they can cause clutter and increase the risk of your senior taking the wrong medication.
Upcycle or Donate
Create 4 piles of items when cleaning out spaces: keep, upcycle, donate, and trash. Instead of just throwing everything out that your Senior doesn’t want, you should consider how it could be upcycled into something new or donated.
Clean the Fridge
The fridge is another place that accumulates items. Clear out old condiments, expired foods, and anything else you are not sure is good or not. Once everything is cleaned out, wipe it down with disinfectant wipes and dry it out. Another trick of the trade is to leave an open box of baking soda in the fridge to help keep it fresh.
Halls and Entry Ways
Halls and entry ways tend to get cluttered with shoes and other odd and ends. This not only creates a mess but also increases your senior’s risk of a slip, trip, and fall. Make sure these areas are clear of clutter, all flooring is fastened down properly, and all rugs lay flat with anti-slip tape beneath to hold them in place.
Dust, Dust, Dust
Did we say dust? Seriously, dust everything from the ceiling to fans and light fixtures to the walls, cupboards, and shelves. Even when you think you’re done dusting. Dust some more. Then make sure you change your senior’s air filter to ensure clean air is being pumped through their home.
Additional Spring Cleaning Tips and Tricks
Check Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Spring cleaning is a great time to test all the alarms in your Senior’s residence and replace the batteries to make sure they will function properly when you need them most.
Reorganize
With everything so clean and clear of clutter now is a good time to reorganize your senior’s living space. Doing this will also help you know the location of important documents as well as give you an idea of anything your senior’s space may be lacking.
Complete a Safety Evaluation
With everything cleaned and organized, it is a good time to evaluate your senior’s living space for any safety risks. Do staircases have railings? Are they secure? Is it time to invest in a walk-in shower/tub combo? Once the evaluation is complete, start addressing any safety issues so that you can mitigate their risk of injury and help them maintain independence.
Work Smart, Not Hard
Spring cleaning is already a difficult task in and of itself. Instead of working against yourself, make sure you have the right tools and tricks to make the job more efficient. Fortunately, there are several spring cleaning hacks you can do to make the job easier. Visit our Spring Cleaning Pinterest Board for some clever hacks.
Wiser Home Care Can Help
An investment in Companion Care not only provides your senior loved one with necessary care, it provides them with company. Our companion care caregivers are there for conversation and can also take seniors to social outings, run errands, and complete light housekeeping duties to ensure all your hard Spring Cleaning is not in vain.
With Wiser Home Care Services’ Companion Care, you can trust that your elderly loved one is being watched over and safe in the comfort of their own home.
To learn more about Wiser Home Care’s services and request a free care assessment click here: https://wisercareservices.com/care-services/companion-care/.