Dear Friends,
Welcome to April, where the grass is growing, the cherry trees are blooming, the gardens are awakening, and many of us are hitting the reset button in our lives. We are starting new projects, cleaning out old clutter, planting and working the garden, and planning out our summer vacations.
For those who are taking care of senior loved ones who still live at home, sometimes doing these above projects can be overwhelming. Many of our parents who have lived in their home for 50-60 years, their homes are consumed with items from their past. Many of our parents are hanging on to things that are no longer relevant in their lives, and somehow, we as their adult children need look after them for safety concerns.
This month on Answers for Elders Radio, we dedicate the theme to Aging in Place. We explore how can you keep your senior loved ones’ space safe for living out their aging years at home. We will be including many tips this month on simple tasks that can make a huge difference, not only in our senior loved ones’ homes, but also in our own lives.
I was told not too long ago by one of our experts the following:
We spend the first 30 years of our lives, figuring out the things we like and want.
We spend the next 30 years of our lives acquiring them
We spend the remainder of our lives getting rid of those things- simplifying our lives.
I couldn’t agree more with that statement, as I personally head into my 63rd Birthday this month. Just the other day I loaded my SUV with 12 huge garbage bags of clothes and stuff and off they went to donate to the thrift store. I felt so good when it was out of my house that part of me wanted to go back in and pack up more stuff!
In our parents’ home, clutter can mean a threat to their own personal safety. Knick knacks can fall off shelves and be a tripping hazard. Too much furniture can mean blocked walk ways or making their home difficult to navigate. Too much stuff in the kitchen or bathroom can make for unsanitary conditions, or even worse, a fire hazard.
I believe this is the time of year to do a survey of our living space. I promise you — taking bags of unwanted items to your local thrift store will be a truly freeing experience! I know it was for me!
Warmest Regards,
Suzanne
