Seniors are one of the largest demographics of homeowners in society today. According to the 2022 Census, almost 17% of homeowners in Ottawa are 65 and older.
With a large percentage of our society aging, downsizing and preparing for retirement living, Professional Organizers such as myself are in more demand than ever.
Decluttering small spaces to prevent injury, creating accessible space for items and removing visible clutter to ease cognitive challenges are just some of the many benefits organization can bring to elders' homes.
Below are some key ways organizing can be useful in common areas of the home.
Hallways
Try to keep these areas as clear from clutter as possible to avoid injury.
Staircases and halls should also be well-lit and accessible
Install nightlights in hallways and stairwells to make navigating at night easier.
Living Room
This is likely to be where they spend the most time day-to-day.
Make room for mobility devices to ease movement from one space to another.
Floors should always be kept clear of clutter and boxes.
Contain pet toys in a bin or on a shelf to prevent tripping hazards.
Kitchen
Use battery-operated lights on doors or cabinets for easy viewing of contents
Prevent items from being stored on high, out-of-reach spots.
Consider keeping only those items that are required for day-to-day needs.
Create a designated spot in the kitchen for to-do lists, shopping lists, emergency contact information and pharmacy numbers.
Keep food items in their original packaging for easy identification and expiry dates.
Use large-sized labels to make reading items easier.
Bathroom
Items should be stored in easy-to-access and identified containers (large labels)
Half-empty and expired toiletries should be thrown out
Expired Medication should be tossed for it could potentially pose a safety risk.
Install a grab bar in the shower/tub area to prevent slips & falls.
Consider using a shower caddy to hold shower items instead of the tub ledge.
No matter if you contact a Professional Organizer or implement these changes on your own, the benefits will be instantly noticeable and beneficial to your daily life.
It's important to reassess how your home operates at every stage of your life, and should not be overlooked as we get older.
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About the Author: Brittany Smith lives in Ottawa, Canada with her husband and feline furbaby Zoey. She is a Certified Professional Organizer, Owner, and Founder of Control the Chaos, a Professional Organizing business that provides personalized in-home, virtual and digital organizing services aimed at transforming anyone's chaos into calm.
