Senior Living: Jump start 2023 by getting organized

By BETH DOW, Home Helpers of GA & AL

January is National Get Organized Month.

Getting organized for a single person or a couple in their 70s is different from how a younger person or someone with a family at home gets organized. Not only should you be looking at organization, but you should look at how to organize with safety in mind. Now that all the decorations are up, take a few minutes to get organized for a safer new year.

The first tip to getting organized while creating a safer home is to be sure to clear all clutter from steps and walking paths and insure both are well lit. One of my favorite finds is an outlet cover with a night light. They are easy to install, inexpensive and will light the way of any hall or walkway at night.

Place a hanging storage basket on the wall near the top and the bottom of the stairs.  You can place items here to remember to take them up or down the stairs. Placing a shelf with hooks next to your exit door is also a great spot to leave your keys, dog leash and sunglasses.

Next, look at what you are having to bend down to pick up or reach high to bring down. Items used often should be no lower than the upper thigh and no higher than you can reach without standing on your toes. Too much bending can hurt your back and if you have balance issues, bending down or stretching to reach up high, may create a fall risk.

Things like laundry baskets can be placed on a stool or floor shelf. Items in lower cabinets that are used often, should be moved up to the counter. Items you have to reach up for should also be moved to counter-level. Your most commonly-used items should all be easily retrievable without bending or stretching.

Work on getting all your essential documents in one place.  Items such as passports, life insurance, will, power of attorney, social security cards, and account statements, etc., are best kept in a small fireproof safe. Just be sure family knows where the safe and the key are kept.

Another good idea is to keep a recent medication list on your phone and posted on your refrigerator.  (You can use a sheet protector to help keep your refrigerator list from getting dirty.)  Your list should include the name of the drug, the dose, how often used and the name and phone number of the doctor who prescribed it. Emergency personnel can easily retrieve the list from your refrigerator and when going to the doctor, having the list on your phone is convenient.

How many times have you had to open a storage box or bin to see what was inside? This is a great time to go through and label each bin and box.  And while you are looking inside to see what it is, decide if you really need it. If it has been boxed up for years and all you ever do is open it to see what it is, you probably need to get rid of it. And if you are thinking, “One day my children will want this”, I can pretty much guarantee you … they won’t.

January often brings harsh weather days. Use those days to get better organized and make a safer environment. For more tips on how to organize there are many organizational websites to help.

Beth Dow is a Dementia and Alzheimer’s Educator, CAEd and Geriatric Care Manager. She is also the owner of Home Helpers of GA & AL in Newnan. Readers can contact her by email at [email protected].