6 Clever Ways to Make House Cleaning Easier for Seniors
House cleaning isn’t easy at any age. But for the elderly, it can prove too exhausting or even unsafe. Tasks that were once a mundane, ten-minute chore can now take an hour, especially if they involve bending, lifting, or reaching. But that doesn’t mean older adults have to give up on a tidy home if they can’t count on regular cleaning service in Norwich.
In today’s post, we outline smart tips that can make household chores much less tiring. From practical tips and product suggestions to simple modifications to your methods that will take the stress and strain off, you can create a safer and easier upkeep routine. Let’s move on to an efficient house cleaning that won’t wear anyone out.
How to make cleaning easier for the elderly?
Sure, a clean home will always require some effort, but it definitely doesn’t have to be hard and certainly not dangerous. When you get to a certain age, the goal should be a clean home, not perfection. Here’s what you should do:
1. Use lightweight, ergonomic equipment
Certain vacuum cleaners and mops can be heavy, awkward to handle, and hard on the joints. Don’t buy the first model that looks nice or sounds powerful. It’s much more important to look for lightweight versions with ergonomic handles.
Why this helps: Easy movement and less strain on wrists, shoulders, and back will lead to fewer injuries and more comfortable cleaning.
2. Sit while you work
Standing for protracted periods can lead to fatigue or dizziness in seniors, especially those who suffer from arthritis, heart conditions, or balance issues. Wherever possible, try to complete the task in a seated position.
Why this helps: Sitting conserves energy, reduces the risk of falls, and minimizes joint pain.
3. Break chores into smaller chunks
Are you planning to clean the entire house in one go and get it over with? Forget about it, that’s an approach fit for a young person who’s strapped for time. When you’re a senior, you’re in less of a rush, and it’s much smarter to spread out tasks over a week.
Why this helps: It significantly reduces exhaustion and spares you from overwhelming routines you’d rather avoid.
4. Invest in grabbers & extension tools
Bending down and reaching high won’t seem like a problem to your younger self, but for the elderly you it can be a hazard. Grabber tools, step-free reachers, and long-handled dusters can be seniors’ best friends, so give them a shot.
Why this helps: Keeps your feet firmly on the ground, avoids risky positions, and reduces strain on your back and knees.
5. Make safety the priority
Gone are the days of youthful risk-taking and speculative methods. As you get older, you have to prioritize safety, no matter how important or urgent certain tasks are. It goes without saying that house cleaning should never compromise your safety, so steer clear of slippery floors, heavy lifting, and unsafe reaches.
Why this helps: Trips, slips, and falls are the leading cause of injury in older adults, and they usually happen when least expected during mundane activities.
6. Hire professional help
We get it, doing things on your own is a sure sign to us and others that we are still up for it. But there is no shame in bringing professionals every week or two to take care of the backbreaking, energy-sapping, and heavy-lifting tasks.
Why this helps: Keeps your living space spotless while preserving your energy for the things you enjoy doing.
Who should I call for meticulous cleaning service in Norwich, CT & beyond?
If you’re a senior who needs efficient housekeeping assistance or you’d like to help your elderly friend or family member with dependable maid service, Orchid Maids is the one to call. We have the experience and know how to do the cleaning in the right way, remove the stubborn grease marks from your kitchen, deliver a top-to-bottom seasonal cleaning service, and enable you to enjoy a spotless home throughout the year.
Reach out to us, and you’re free to enjoy a relaxing stroll by the Thames River while our pros are applying the elbow grease needed to maintain the perfect appearance and cleanliness of your living space. We leave homes healthy and fresh so book us today!