Energize and Organize: Organize Your Home for Elderly Safety and Health

                                    Organize Your Home for Elderly Safety and Health
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When you organize spaces for elderly family members or yourself, safety and health are top concerns. Keeping environments simple is crucial. Let’s break it down. 

Kitchen

• Throw out expired food from pantry and clean out the fridge--no one wants food poisoning and stock piling food makes you lose track of what you have.
• Place items used every day on the kitchen counter for easy access; everything else in the  cabinets.
• Say “no” to digging for what you need or to double stacking mugs, plates and plastic containers in cabinets.
• Keep it simple.

Medications

• Dispose of expired prescription medications (at local police stations) and keep current medications front and center on a tray or in a basket. Organize a daily pill container.
• Go through other medicines (cough, cold, etc.) and dispose of expired or old meds.

Containerize

• Use trays or containers to corral stuff; makes it easier to clean--just lift and swipe.
• It is visually easier to locate similar items, like with like.

Floors

• Keep floors free of throw rugs, shoes and clutter.
• No piles on the floor, use containers to hold items (baskets, end tables, etc.)

Mail, Magazines, Catalogs, Newspapers

• Paper is the biggest culprit of clutter, dust, and frustration. Place bills to pay in one location; place bills on autopay and go paperless.
• Recycle all old magazines, catalogs and newspapers; keep only the minimum.

Steps and Entry Ways

• Clear all steps and entry ways of clutter. Install handrails and grab bars if needed.
• Make sure lighting is bright and easy to access.

Bedroom and Bathroom

• Clear a pathway to the bed and to the bathroom
• Place only essentials on the end table by the bed; keep bathroom toiletries simple (one of each item, all other bottles in a cabinet or closet).
• Install safety equipment if needed by the bed and in the bathroom

Your Front Door

•  Be stingy about what you bring through the front door. 
•  Don’t allow advertisers to convince you to buy items you don’t need, can’t afford and that will end up as clutter.
• Finally, seek advice from the elder care network agencies in your area on how to​ assist you or your loved ones in organizing a safer and healthier home.

           
                      ​Life is more enjoyable when there is less stuff to get in the way.
With thanks to guest Vali G. Heist, Certified Professional Organizer® thecluttercrew.com  
610-914-3483 • vali@thecluttercrew.com

​Remember if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts  Contact 617.640.2366     www.energizeandorganize.com