Handy House Cleaning Tips for the Elderly

Have you watched your mom struggle to keep her home clean now that she is older? Since you have reached your Golden Years, do you find house cleaning a challenge? Age does many things to the body, and time changes what is essential in one’s life. You may find that you can no longer handle the unwieldy vacuum cleaner from the 1980s. Instead of having a clean floor, you have a painful back. But there’s good news! Many tips are available that will make house cleaning much easier for aging adults. If you need additional help, hiring a senior caregiver is an excellent choice to make it happen.

5 Tips to Ease the Cleaning Burden for the Elderly

It’s time to find new ways to do housework that ensures a clean home without causing physical and mental stress. Use these tips to get started:

1. Declutter: It’s easier to keep an uncluttered home clean. Now is a great time to reduce the stuff hanging around after the kids have flown the coop. Remember, the more things you have, the more you have to clean. Get rid of items that are no longer needed and give your kids and grandkids any sentimental items, sell them off, or donate them.
2. Create a Cleaning Schedule: It will be easier to remember what you need to do for the day when you keep a schedule. You can break tasks into days, weeks, and months, leaving you with an easy routine and a tidy home.
3. Find New Uses for Old Tools: Your broom is more than a tool to sweep up crumbs. Wrap it in a cloth and use it to clean off your baseboards and walls. Disinfect your sponge by placing it in a bowl of lemon water, squeezing it out, and microwaving it for one minute. Grab your lint roller to dust off lampshades, and put on your rubber gloves to wipe up pet hair on furniture.
4. Make Your Vacuum a Workhorse: Vacuuming is faster and more effective at cleaning up dust, dirt, and debris. Dust particles swirl around and land back on the clean surface each time you sweep. That doesn't happen when you vacuum. Ideally, a lightweight, upright vacuum is a better choice.
5. Clean the Bathtub without Bending: It’s possible to clean your bathtub and shower without straining your back. You can start with some diluted dishwashing liquid or vinegar in a spray bottle. Spritz it liberally over the tub and shower, let it soak for 10-15 minutes, and then use a sponge on an extended handle or a clean broom to wipe clean.

Professional Caregivers Make Housework Simple

Sometimes, you need extra hands to help with the day-to-day tasks of keeping a home clean. The team at Home Instead Ottawa offers the support you or your aging parent needs to ensure they can live life on their own terms. We have professional caregivers ready to assist with light housekeeping, meals preparation, and companionship. We will tailor a service package to fit you or your loved one’s needs. Learn more when you call us today!

Call us at (613) 599-6906  to schedule a no-obligation, in-home consultation. Learn more about the compassionate, quality senior care we deliver every day to families in Ottawa, Kanata, Nepean, Orleans, Rockliffe, Alta Vista, New Edinburgh, Manor Park, Stittsville, Barrhaven, Manotick, Sandy Hill, Hunt Club, Vanier, Richmond, Carleton Place, Gloucester, Kemptville