A clean environment is a stress-free environment for seniors - and it's a safer one. Routine cleaning can make living independently a better experience. Seniors will look forward to being in a home that is sanitary and organized.
But what types of cleaning are most critical to tackle? Read on to learn about eight must-have housekeeping services for seniors!
Regular dusting is an important way to keep air quality good and control allergens in any living space. Especially for individuals with allergy problems or sensitive respiratory systems, dust can be a source of problems. Dust can trigger sneezing, coughing, and water eyes.
Pet dander and dust mites can collect on common surfaces, like furniture and windowsills. Without routine dusting, these can cause allergy symptoms to become problematic. They also can clog filters in HVAC systems, leading to inefficient heating and cooling.
Additionally, dust can make surfaces look dull and unattractive. Seniors deserve to have attractive and fresh spaces to call home. Make dusting a regular practice!
Home upkeep for seniors needs to include weekly vacuuming. Even the homiest living space can start to feel dirty if it hasn't been vacuumed in a while. This is particularly true for living spaces with carpet.
Vacuuming carpets can remove embedded pet hair or dust mites. This, in turn, can make air quality better and keep allergies at bay.
Vacuuming also can stave off mold and mildew growth. And vacuuming can help prevent stains and odors from taking hold in carpet fibers. Neglecting to vacuum only lets these problems fester and grow.
Additionally, it's important to mop all hard surfaces. Dry mopping floor surfaces can pick up dust. Wet mopping kitchen and bathroom floors removes grime and spills.
Clean bathrooms are essential for retirement home maintenance. After all, bathrooms are used frequently and can become a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. Make bathroom cleaning a weekly task to keep each bathroom sanitary.
Sinks and toilets should be disinfected. Mirrors and door handles will need to be wiped. Replace hand towels, bathmats, and towels each week, too.
It's vital to wet mop bathroom floors, as well. Just be sure that they are completely dry before use. And confirm that any cleaning solutions used on the floors don't cause them to become slippery.
Similarly, kitchens can become a source of bacteria and germs if left unattended. Seniors may have smaller kitchenettes in their apartment where they prepare meals or snacks. But limited mobility may make it more challenging to stay on top of keeping the kitchen clean.
Weekly kitchen cleaning contributes to a more hygienic environment and better eating habits. It's important to clean dishes so they don't pile up in the sink. Sanitizing the sink and countertops should be on the to-do list, as well.
Other kitchen tasks can include tidying up cabinets and inventorying food in the refrigerator and pantry. Remove expired products and check to see what kitchen staples need to be replenished.
Many living communities can offer senior cleaning solutions that include laundry service. For seniors, changing bed sheets and moving large piles of laundry can be difficult. That's where staff need to step in and help.
Staying on top of laundry keeps apartments fresh and free of odors. It also provides a more complete wardrobe to help seniors feel like their best selves. Bed sheets should be changed weekly or as needed, too.
Fresh bed sheets are less likely to become a source of germs or skin irritation. Dirty sheets can collect skin flakes, fluids, and dust. This can cause skin problems and contribute to poor sleep.
Trash will accumulate in any living situation. Good elderly home care services can help make trash removal easier, however.
For some seniors, loss of muscle mass or balance issues can make removing trash a burden. Without regular trash removal, trash cans can overflow and it will become tempting to leave trash sitting out on surfaces.
A senior living community should be able to assist with scheduled trash removal. Regular trash emptying helps avoid overflowing trash bins. And it ensures that a senior's living space doesn't develop bad odors or attract pests.
Meal prep should be another component of senior living assistance. Seniors with active social calendars and hobbies may not have time to prepare healthy meals and snacks. Moreover, many seniors have dietary restrictions that require paying close attention to ingredients.
A strong senior living community can help with this effort. Staff can check in with seniors to ensure they have plenty of nutritious food available. Some living communities will prepare meals for seniors, too.
Further, many communities offer cooking and nutrition classes to help with meal prep education. These classes also offer an opportunity for socialization.
Finally, prioritize regular decluttering. While this may not need to be a weekly task, it should be done at least once a month. Especially in smaller living spaces, it's too easy for bulky or even small items to take over.
It helps to have help from a loved one or senior living community staff member with this process. If possible, help your loved one go through piles of mail and evaluate objects around their home. They may need assistance filing paid bills or finding a way to donate things they no longer use, too.
Ultimately, decluttering can help smaller spaces feel bigger. It makes homes feel tidier and, as a result, it's easier to locate items. Decluttering also can remove potential tripping hazards that can lead to falls.
The right housekeeping services for seniors can establish a clean and welcoming environment. Make sure to prioritize regular dusting, vacuuming, and bathroom cleaning. Other critical cleaning services include trash removal, meal prep, and laundry.
At Addington Place of Shoal Creek, we provide Kansas City-area seniors with a comfortable and supportive place to call home. Our senior living community offers exceptional care and robust opportunities for socialization. Contact us today to schedule a tour!