Aging seniors often want to stay in their homes, and we want to help them safely do that. While sitting down with families, the conversation often leads to the safety of the home. Many times, the senior has lived in their home for 30 or more years and sometimes the space has become cluttered causing an unsafe environment. Here are a few points to consider when deciding if the home needs to be decluttered:
- Can 1st Responders easily maneuver themselves and their equipment through the home to reach the resident?
- Is the home free of fall hazards such as rugs and electrical cords? Is it easy to get around furniture?
- Can the resident easily access the telephone and/or emergency response system?
- Can the resident get to regularly used items without excessive bending down or reaching up too far?
- The 12-12-12 Challenge: A simple task of locating 12 items to throw away, 12 items to donate, and 12 items to gift or rehome can be a fun way to quickly organize 36 things in your home. You can even make it a competition between spouses, kids and grandkids.
- Start with a room that doesn’t have sentimental items, like the bathroom for example. We typically, don’t have valuables or keepsake items stored in the bathroom. Once you get started it will be easier to keep going!
- The Four Box Method: For each room or area you bring in four boxes: trash, give away, keep, or donate. All items should be placed into one of the four categories. Some areas will be quick, others will take days or even weeks.
- O-H-I-O: Only Handle It Once, take your time and decide but once you’ve made up your mind that item is done. No going back or second guessing your decision.
- Are there items you’re giving to family or friends? Give those items a firm deadline for pick-u and let them know the items will be donated if not picked up.