Cleaning is one of those jobs that most people dread. Yet the satisfaction that comes from seating in a spotless house, smelling of fresheners and detergent is priceless. For seniors, house cleaning can be a nightmare because of painful joints, bad backs, or sore knees. All these can contribute to issues of mobility which make maintaining a clean and organized home challenging.
Living in a clean and hygienic environment helps to maintain health and well-being. Here are tips on how to keep your home clean and where you can find help to pay for home cleaning services.
Schedule Cleaning into Your Routine
The best way to get things is to establish a routine. Once your mind and body get used to living according to a set routine, it will be easy to do stuff around your home because they have become a habit.
Set a schedule for daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning tasks that will help you keep track of what needs to be done and when. One important thing you should do is create a checklist to help you stay organized and on track. And because your memory probably isn’t as good as it used to be, a physical checklist can be your reminder of tasks that need to be done
Organic Cleaning Products
Some cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that are bad for the environment and are health hazards. Your immunity is already compromised so introducing such products into your home could expose you to health issues like allergies, asthma, and breathing problems.
Opt for natural cleaning products instead that don’t pose any threat to your health. Natural products are gentler on surfaces and are safer for seniors who may have respiratory issues. Some natural cleaning solutions include vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. These products are effective in cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and are readily available at most grocery stores.
Microfiber Cloths
Microfiber cloths are excellent for cleaning because they are soft, absorbent, and can trap dust and dirt effectively. You can also wash them in your machine, making them an economical, convenient, and eco-friendly choice for cleaning.
Lightweight Cleaning Equipment
Heavy lifting can be a challenge and is not advisable for seniors. Heavy cleaning equipment, such as vacuum cleaners and mops may be difficult for older adults to use. Lightweight cleaning equipment is available, such as stick vacuums and lightweight mops, that are easier to handle and can make cleaning less physically taxing.
Declutter
Aging can lead to cognitive decline, changes in mood, and loss of memory. Living in a cluttered environment can increase levels of anxiety, throw off our focus, and promotes confusion. This already adds to the mental issues seniors struggle with.
You should declutter regularly to reduce the chaos in your home. Get rid of any items that are no longer needed or used. You can have trash and reusable boxes when decluttering, where you can put things that have no use in the trash and items that can be of use to others in the reusable pile. Reusable items include clothes, books, and other household items which you can donate to the underprivileged to be of assistance to them. Decluttering can help make a home feel more spacious, organized, and easier to clean.
Clean Regularly
Cleaning regularly reduces the amount of work you have to do on each cleaning day in your schedule. Regular cleaning can help prevent the buildup of dust, dirt, and bacteria, and can reduce the risk of illness and infection. Seniors should aim to clean their homes regularly to maintain a healthy living environment.
If you are going about your day and notice something that needs cleaning, do it there and then. If there’s a bag of trash that needs to be taken outside, then do so. There’s a window you’ve noticed looks dusty, why not clean it immediately before it accumulates more dust? Regular cleaning makes work easier for you.
Focus on High-Traffic Areas
These are areas in the home that see a lot of foot traffic and activity, such as the kitchen and bathroom. These areas attract bacteria and germs because of their regular use and require regular cleaning to maintain a healthy living environment. Wipe down counters, sinks, and toilets daily, when there are fewer people in the home, and deep clean these areas weekly.
Put Things in Storage
If there are things you have gotten in the course of your life with sentimental value that you don’t want to throw or give away, consider putting them in storage. This way your home will be clutter-free and organized while you still keep your stuff.
Shelves, cabinets, and storage bins can be used to store items and keep them out of sight. You should also consider using furniture that doubles as storage, such as ottomans or coffee tables with hidden storage compartments.
Get Help
When cleaning becomes physically strenuous and you cannot do it on your own anymore, do not hesitate to ask for help. Your family members, friends, or neighbors can assist with difficult tasks such as vacuuming or lifting heavy items, while you do the less tiring tasks like wiping surfaces.
Professional Cleaning Services
Hiring a professional cleaning service can be a good option for seniors who can afford this kind of assistance. The services provided by cleaning companies include deep cleaning, dusting, and vacuuming, which allows the elderly to live in and maintain clean and hygienic homes. Do your research and find cleaning services that offer cleaning plans that meet your needs and are within budget.
Financial Assistance for Home Cleaning Services
You may not be able to afford cleaning services because you earn a small passive income or have none at all after retirement. Don’t fret! There are financial assistance programs in the USA to help seniors pay for home cleaning services. These programs are generally aimed at low-income seniors who may not have the financial resources to pay for home cleaning services on their own.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides financial assistance to low-income seniors. SNAP benefits are primarily aimed at helping seniors purchase food. However, some states, may allow SNAP benefits to be used to pay for home cleaning services.
Medicaid
Medicaid is the joint federal and state healthcare coverage for low-income individuals, including seniors. It mainly covers medical bills, but some states offer home and community-based services through Medicaid. These services include home cleaning services, which can be provided to eligible seniors at no cost or a reduced cost.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assists disadvantaged households to help to pay for energy costs, including heating and cooling. Some LIHEAP programs may also offer home cleaning services to eligible seniors to help reduce the risk of illness and disease.
Charities and Non-profit Organizations
Some non-profit organizations and charities provide financial assistance to seniors to help pay for home cleaning services. These organizations may provide grants or other financial assistance to help seniors pay for cleaning services.
They also have volunteers who offer these cleaning services to seniors and other undeserving communities as part of their humanitarian acts. Some of these organizations are:
Conclusion
Seniors can stay in a clean and hygienic environment by following the tips listed above. If you are interested in accessing any financial assistance government program to help pay for home cleaning services, you should contact your local Area Agency on Aging or their state’s Department of Aging. For charity organizations visit their websites to get information on the programs available in your area that help seniors access the financial support or labor support they need to maintain a clean and healthy home.
Rachel Jennings is a writer for Grants for Seniors, a site that directs seasoned folks to all kinds of assistance in their state.