No matter your age, cleaning can be a challenge. From hauling laundry up and down steep basement steps to shoveling snow off walkways in our brutal Upper Michigan winters, household chores are difficult, and this is especially true for seniors. If you have a family member aging in place, you may not always find the time to help them with their household chores.
At Marquette Home Care, we are here to offer assistance when it comes to simplifying your loved one’s chores so that they can maintain their sense of independence while still ensuring that their home environment is clean, comfortable, and safe.
Lightweight or Easy-to-Use Cleaning Tools
Brooms, heavy vacuums, and mops can be difficult for your loved one to use, especially if they have poor grip strength or arthritis. Investing in lightweight or ergonomic cleaning tools can help your loved one stay on top of their chores while not placing unnecessary stress on their joints. You may want to invest in a cordless, lightweight vacuum or microfiber dusters, which ensure cleanliness yet can be used with minimal strain and effort.
Staying Safe
For seniors with mobility issues or in homes with potential tripping or slipping hazards, placing non-slip pads under rugs or removing rugs completely can prevent falls. You may also have your loved one invest in non-slip house shoes to wear while taking care of chores. It is also important to avoid climbing and, instead, use adjustable step stools or grabber tools to reach things such as cleaning chemicals or items on tall shelves.
Outsourcing Certain Tasks
The Marquette area is famous for its seasons, especially when all four seasons can take place in a single day. From lawn care to leaf raking to snow shoveling, outsourcing these tasks can prove useful and keep your loved one safe. There are several lawn care, landscaping, and snow removal services in the area that can be hired on so that you and your loved one don’t even have to think about taking care of certain outside chores.
Technology
Smart plugs and automatic timers can help ensure lights and appliances are turned off when no longer in use. This can be especially helpful for individuals with memory issues such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. You may also think about investing in a dishwasher or moving laundry rooms out of basements with hazardous staircases. While the initial price might seem high, it will prove to be a better and safer investment in the long run.
Marquette Home Care Is Here to Help
Cleaning can be difficult for seniors, but there are ways to simplify household chores and keep your loved one safe and comfortable. At Marquette Home Care, we are here to support you and your loved one and help out when it comes to these necessary chores. Our team offers homemaking services, including general home maintenance, laundry, meal planning, and assistance with home safety features.
We are ready to serve seniors and their families across the Marquette area, including Ishpeming, Negaunee, Harvey, Skandia, and Gwinn. For more information on how we can help keep your loved one’s home clean and safe, contact us today at 906-361-8022.
