It is no secret that staying in your home often becomes more difficult as you age, especially if unexpected health conditions or physical limitations begin to crop up. In some cases, this means it’s time to downsize to a smaller home that requires less upkeep, such as an apartment or condo where maintenance is the responsibility of another party. In other cases, this can simply mean reorganizing the current home to make living there easier.
Regardless of which option works best for your family, there are ways to organize a home to make living there safer and easier on its older inhabitants.
In this post, we will take a look at four common problems seniors face in the home and easy ways to get the senior person in your care organized. Start by analyzing their home, including its layout and the way in which it is organized, to spot any potential problems they could encounter.
Here are the top concerns we hear about:
4 Common Home Organization Problems for Seniors
1. Things on the floor
Walkways need to be kept clear, so organizational systems that keep belongings off of floors and out of dedicated walkways are integral.
2. Hazardous, broken, or impractical items
Mobility can be a challenge for some elderly people, so it is important to remove, replace, or repair broken items quickly. Tripping hazards should be removed and furniture that no longer serves their needs should be replaced with something more practical. This can mean installing more railings, grab bars, transfer chairs, and other safety products, as well as building an organizational system around those items.
3. Low lighting
The natural process of aging results in changes in vision, including a decrease in the amount of light entering the eye, reduction in peripheral vision, greater sensitivity to glare, difficulty focusing on objects, and a slower adjustment period when going from light to dark and vice versa (
It’s easy to accumulate stuff in our society, and nothing helps clear out a home and make organizing or downsizing an easier undertaking than getting rid of unnecessary items. You can start this process by
Clearing out duplicate items - Kitchen utensils and tools are often big offenders.
Getting rid of old, outdated tech - Just make sure you properly clear it of identifying information and dispose of it at the appropriate location.
Sorting through clothing - Get rid of anything that no longer fits and that doesn’t have any emotional significance.
Unused items in storage - Anything in storage that is not being saved for a particular reason, such as seasonal furniture or decorations, should be cleared out.
Some situations—such as a senior with a lot of belongings, a strong attachment to their items, or cognitive difficulties—may be more challenging to organize and might require the help of a certified professional. While it may seem like a bit of an extravagance to hire a professional organizer, you would be amazed at how much they can help:
“These pros have been certified and have spent years in the field learning and making contacts. This means they will know where to find the best products and solutions to suit your needs, and they’ll have access to a network of resources such as contractors, as well as be knowledgeable about where to donate or sell specific items. Because of their knowledge and contacts, they can often help you with or at least help facilitate junk removal, donations, etc.” - 6 Reasons to Hire a Professional Organizer
Having an organized home is useful at any age, but it becomes more important as you get older. Creating an easy home organization setup for seniors can be simple, as long as you work with them to figure out how to address their needs.
Things to avoid:
Items on the floor
Hazardous, broken, or impractical items
Low lighting
Keeping important items up or down stairs instead of on the main floor
Practical ways to organize
Store things where they are used
Keep necessary items accessible
Make items easy to reach
Use see-through, clearly labelled containers
Store documents together and keep duplicates
Declutter
Consult with a professional organizer
Ready to get organized?
Read our organization resources for expert tips and advice on decluttering and organizing your home.
About the author: Stephanie Rosenlund is the Director of Strategic Solutions at TSI, the long distance move and shipment provider for thousands of businesses, families, and individuals every year. Stephanie knows all the tips and tricks to make your move or shipment simple and specializes in freight shipping and interstate relocations. In her free time, she loves exploring the world with her husband and two kids.
