Helping your Senior to Declutter their Home

As we age, we tend to accumulate a lot of belongings. We save sentimental cards and gifts, stock up on knick-knacks, acquire appliances and electronic devices, and inherit things from others. Eventually these things begin to pile up and take up space. This can become a safety hazard for elderly adults if it interferes with their ability to navigate their home or poses a risk of things falling. Also, should they downsize to a smaller home or move to assisted living, they won’t be able to take everything along.

Periodically helping your senior to declutter their Cedar Valley home can keep their belongings more manageable and reduce time spent on these activities later. Before you jump in and start throwing things away though, keep the following in mind:

Recognize it can be emotionally challenging to part with their belongings. Many things hold sentimental value and can bring up a variety of memories and feelings. Realize that it can take some time for them to come to terms with letting things go. Let them talk about different items and the memories they hold. Don’t force them to get rid of something. You can always come back to it later.

Start small and pick a single area to tackle first. As your loved one gets more comfortable with going through their things and determining what they can get rid of it will become easier. Be willing to negotiate. If they have multiples of the same item, see if they will pick one that means the most or is representative of the group.

Pass on or donate items that are in good condition. Perhaps another family member will appreciate pictures, knick-knacks, jewelry, or other belongings that hold meaning. It is a small part of their family they can keep with them. Ask your senior about donating other things so that other Cedar Rapids residents can benefit from them. If they know that they are helping someone in need it can make letting go a little easier.

Improve storage to keep things more organized. Once you sort through everything and reorganize, you may find that you have more space than you thought. Invest in clear plastic boxes, removable hooks, or other storage containers to give everything a place. This can also help your senior to put things back where they belong and reduce clutter in walkways and other common areas.

Be patient and realize that it took them a lifetime to collect everything, so you can’t expect to declutter overnight. As you help them downsize their belongings, it can make their home a safer place and make navigation easier. If your loved one does need a little more assistance as they age in place, consider investing in in-home care through Always Best Care Senior Services of the Cedar Valley. Our high quality, personalized elder care can give your aging parent the level of support they need. Call (877) 292-2126 or visit our website for more information.

Strategies for Reducing Caregiver Stress

Balancing life as a caregiver can be challenging. Not only are you trying to care for yourself and your family, but also an aging parent. Many caregivers are glad to be able to support their parents as they get older and give back, but if not managed properly, they can quickly burn themselves out. Trying to take on too much can leave them feeling exhausted and stressed, taking away from their ability to provide optimal care. Implementing strategies for managing this stress can support wellbeing.

·         Ask for help: Don’t feel as though you have to do everything on your own. Reach out to siblings, family members, or close friends to share responsibilities. Hire a financial planner or other professional services to help manage your senior’s finances, medical wishes, or other legal issues. Consider arranging power of attorney ahead of time so plans are already in place before they are needed.

·         Make time for yourself: In the midst of your busy schedule, plan time for yourself. Get a massage or manicure, play golf, spend time with friends, and focus on your own wellbeing. If you’re not taking good care of yourself, you won’t be able to take as good care of others.

·         Join a support group: There are many support groups that exist for caregivers as well as for specific conditions. Take advantage of these organizations to connect with others who are going through similar situations. You can make new friends and have a resource for support and advice. 

·         Engage in yoga, meditation, or exercise: Staying physically active can help alleviate stress while also boosting your health. Meditation and yoga can assist you in clearing your mind and refocusing. Exercise can be a great way to burn off excess energy or frustration. It also boosts endorphins which can naturally enhance your mood.

·         Consider In-Home Care: There are many wonderful in-home care agencies that can provide your senior with the companionship, assistance, and support they need as they age in place. Set a schedule that works for both you and your loved one’s needs. There are a wide range of services that these providers can offer which will make your life a little easier.

Be realistic in your expectations for yourself. Know what is and is not within your control. This can help you to better manage your responsibilities and reduce the amount of stress that you feel as a caregiver. Explore the resources available to you and take up others on their offers for support. Remember that taking care of yourself is just as important as caring for others.