Spring presents an ideal opportunity to organize and freshen up homes. As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, homeowners have more sunlight to tackle maintenance tasks and cleaning before summer arrives. For elderly individuals, tidying up tends to be a bit more challenging. However, a disorganized home can present a number of safety hazards. To help your elderly loved one live well this season and beyond, follow these key spring cleaning tips for safe senior living.

3 Spring Cleaning Tips for Safer Senior Living

1. Reduce Clutter

Magazines, shoes, boxes, extension cords, and other random objects can easily impede one’s walkway, presenting a tripping hazard. To eliminate this risk, take time to de-clutter your loved one’s home this spring. If every item has a shelf, cabinet, or another designated place, it will be easier to remain organized later on. To help free up floor space, use as much vertical area as possible and consider implementing new storage cabinets and other space-saving solutions.

2. Secure Rugs

Rugs can help making walking around on hard surfaces more comfortable. However, they can pose a fall hazard if they are loose. If your loved one has rugs indoors, be sure that they are completely secured with carpet tape or a non-slip rug pad. For added security, you may also consider installing handrails in areas where rugs are located.

3. Clear & Illuminate Walkways

Dimly lit stairways and hallways tend to increase the risk of falling. In addition to eliminating clutter in these spaces, it’s always important that they are well lit. Install night lights as well as sconce lighting in these areas to ensure optimal safety. You may want to consider adding motion-sensor lights in these parts of the home; that way, they will flick on in if your loved one gets up in the middle of the night.   

Sometimes, implementing safety measures at home is not enough. If your loved one requires additional support, you may want to consider a transition to a trusted senior living facility. In Covington, KY, St. Charles Community offers the warm, safe, and supportive environment elderly individuals need to thrive. To learn more about the community’s senior services, visit the business online. You may also get in touch with the compassionate senior caregivers by calling (859) 331-3224.