Having too much clutter in the home can be unhealthy for people of any age, but seniors are at higher risk for damage to their physical and mental wellbeing. If your elderly loved one has collected too much clutter and you’re concerned about his or her safety, it’s time to take care of this issue. Here are some of the most important reasons to get rid of the clutter in your loved one’s life.
Reduce Fall Risk
Having too much clutter around the house can increase the risk of falling. The risk may be even greater if your loved one has a preexisting medical condition such as cataracts, glaucoma, high blood pressure, arthritis, osteoporosis, or cardiovascular disease.
Certain medication side effects can also raise the risk of falls, especially in homes with an excess of clutter. Beta-blockers, psychotropic medications, and antihistamines can cause dizziness and lightheadedness, which could cause your loved one to trip over the clutter on the floor.
From decluttering their homes to preparing healthy meals, older adults may require assistance with a wide variety of daily activities. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of respite care. Arlington seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable home caregivers.
Discourage Hoarding
Allowing your loved one to keep clutter around the house may encourage hoarding behavior, which makes it more difficult to part with items that are no longer useful or have no sentimental or monetary value. Hoarders often keep worthless items such as scraps of paper, wrappers, and empty boxes because they think they’ll need them in the future. If your loved one is unable or unwilling to eliminate clutter and exhibits hoarding behaviors, his or her doctor should be notified as soon as possible.
Decrease the Risk of Environmental Hazards
Too much clutter around the house can pose an environmental hazard. Clutter can attract insects and rodents and lead to mold spore formation. If the clutter isn’t removed and the area cleaned, your loved one may experience respiratory problems, skin infections, gastrointestinal disorders, allergy symptoms, or other health conditions. If you’re unable to remove the clutter yourself, a removal company can assist you with getting rid of the items and cleaning the home.
Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional elderly home care seniors can trust and rely on.
Prevent Claustrophobia
Excessive clutter can make a senior feel closed in. Your loved one may not understand what’s happening when he or she experiences increased feelings of anxiety, panic, dizziness, and shortness of breath. After other medical reasons for these symptoms are ruled out, claustrophobia should be considered as the source of distress.
Decluttering can be a difficult task for older adults with serious health issues. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Arlington families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call Assisting Hands Home Care today.
