Seniors need to be organized for their health and quality of life, especially as things get harder for them due to cognitive or mobility issues. However, getting organized might be challenging, which is where the elder care team and loved ones come in. Consider the following tips when helping seniors get their ducks in a row.
Set up a daily routine: A daily routine can give seniors order and a sense of what to expect. For instance, it can help them when the elder care team ensures things like food, medications, exercise, and socializing happen at the same times every day.
Use a Calendar: Seniors can be encouraged to keep a paper or computer calendar to help them remember important dates, like birthdays and meetings. Setting alerts is especially easy with digital calendars that have notes. If they need help, the elder care team can offer suggestions or apps that work best.
Label and color code: Loved ones should label drawers, shelves, and bins to keep things in order. Using color coding can make it easy to find and identify things. A good suggestion is to use red labels for medicines, blue labels for cooking items, etc. With assistance from the elder care team, seniors can help with this process.
Declutter: It can be challenging for seniors to declutter, but it makes a big difference when trying to keep organized. In addition, decluttering can help prepare for downsizing, which might be necessary at some point.
Use a medicine organizer: Seniors often have to keep track of more than one medication. Invest in a pill organizer with a place for each day of the week or a dispenser with alarms to help them remember to take their medicines as recommended.
Digital help: Consider setting up voice-activated devices like Amazon Echo or Google Home to remind seniors of things, answer questions, and handle smart home devices. These gadgets can help older people do things and keep them busy.
Meal planning: The elder care team can help seniors plan meals and make a weekly grocery list to ensure there is always enough food in the house. They can also assist with the actual shopping, prep, and cooking if need be. Knowing the food is there and what they will be eating is just one other way to incorporate routine and organization for seniors.
Memory aids: Besides digital aids and calendars, it might be a good idea to give some seniors things like sticky notes, whiteboards, or voice memos to help them remember essential reminders.
Remember that organizational strategies should be made to fit the wants and skills of each person. What works for one senior might not work for another, so changing these tips is important to fit their needs. The key is to create a supportive and organized setting that improves the senior’s quality of life and independence. In addition, the elder care team and loved ones should always ensure seniors have a say in the planning.
If you or someone you know needs elder care in Hutchinson, MN, contact Adara Home Health. We provide quality and affordable home care services for many fragile or senior members in the communities we serve. Call us at (888) 660-5772 for more information.