BENEFITS OF GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FOR SENIORS

How to Help Your Loved One

Benefits of Good Housekeeping

As we age, we start to develop mobility issues, medical conditions, poor eyesight, and lack of energy.  The most basic of chores can become more difficult.  Everyday tasks that were once effortless can become challenging. Housekeeping for seniors can be very difficult. 

Seniors need clean and safe living environments. Having good housekeeping helps seniors to be able to stay in their homes.  An orderly home makes it easier to move around and ensures there are no safety hazards for tripping or falling over clutter. They can relax better without a messy home.

Seniors may also feel more comfortable inviting friends over if their home is clean. Good housekeeping also ensures they will always have clean clothes to wear so they can go out.  According to the CDC, social isolation is very prevalent in seniors, with nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older considered socially isolated.

There are also medical benefits to good housekeeping. A clean home significantly decreases the risk of infections and illnesses for seniors. Dust, allergens, and pathogens can accumulate over time, leading to respiratory issues, allergies, or infections. Regular cleaning, disinfection, and proper ventilation help minimize these risks. 

Having a clean living environment will not only help with safety and quality of life through social engagement it will also provide peace of mind for their family and friends.

How You Can Help Your Loved One

Before you do anything else, you should talk to your loved one about the situation. Even though this topic could be an uncomfortable conversation, it is important to have.   Include them in the process to reduce their anxiety and help them avoid feeling like a burden.

Some things to focus on in the conversation are:

• Start with safety and quality of life. Emphasize how much you care about them.
• Include them and ask them what they need help with.
• Discuss having family help.
• Focus on it, allowing you to spend more time with them while helping.
• Focus on all the ways that having help with the housekeeping will benefit them, such as helping them stay in their home and having one less thing to worry about.

When you talk to your loved one, make a to-do list together of what needs to be cleaned, organized, thrown out, etc., and pick a time that works for both of you to start working on the list.

Focus on safety by checking smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace lightbulbs so they can properly see where they are going. Clear cluttered spaces, especially hallways or doorways, and secure loose rugs or mats to reduce the risk of your loved one falling and injuring themself.

Go through all the things that they have problems with and brainstorm creative solutions.

If your loved one needs frequent help to keep up with housekeeping even after you declutter, set a schedule, and brainstorm, then hiring additional help may be the best option.

Consider hiring additional helP IF…

• you can’t visit your loved one regularly enough to help keep their home clean.
• your loved one doesn’t like relying on you or is too proud to admit to you when they need help.
• you have too many things on your plate already or need a break from caregiving duties.

Another thing to consider is how much time you spend cleaning instead of spending quality time with them.

Hiring a professional gives you one less thing to worry about and one less responsibility for both you and your loved one.

Amethyst Home Care caregivers can visit on a weekly schedule to help with light housekeeping, meal prep, running errands, and medication compliance. We can also check on your loved one, help them move around, and provide companionship.  We do not want to change their routine simply just keep them safe while doing it. 

Companion services include but are not limited to:

• Doing laundry
• Washing dishes
• Cleaning counters and tables
• Cleaning bathrooms (including scrubbing toilets and the bathtub)
• Sweeping and mopping
• Vacuuming
• Dusting
• Errand running
• Shopping for and preparing meals

Good housekeeping practices are vital for seniors as they age, promoting safety, physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. When seniors face challenges in completing household chores, home health aide services offer a reliable solution. With the assistance of home health aides, seniors can enjoy the numerous benefits of good housekeeping, ensuring a clean, safe, and comfortable living environment that supports their well-being. By investing in good housekeeping and home health aide services, seniors can age gracefully in the comfort of their own homes.

If you are interested in learning more about home care services please contact Amethyst Home Care today. Info@amethysthomecare-com.us13.cdn-alpha.com

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If you or a loved one is in Myrtle Beach, Grand Dunes, Pawleys Island, Litchfield, or within the Horry County area and you have any questions or concerns about their health or would like more information about home care, please give Amethyst Home Care a call at (843) 984-0739, toll-free(800) 476-7059 or email us at info@amethysthomecare-com.us13.cdn-alpha.com to meet with one of our RNs for a more comprehensive personalized home assessment.