We’ve had a loooooong, cold, and snowy Pennsylvania winter here in lower Bucks County. But, just like that, April is here and spring has sprung again! Now that the warmer weather is upon us, it’s a great opportunity to help your elderly mom, dad, or grandparents with some spring cleaning and organizing.

A thorough yearly cleaning of your loved one’s space can be very beneficial. It marks the beginning of spring after what may have been a cold and lonely winter. They may look forward to an area that is cleaner and better organized. Planning and taking part in the cleaning with you, another family member, or a home health aide may be a fun event for them. It also reduces the risk of slip and falls, as well as respiratory illness.

On the other hand, your loved one may become overwhelmed at the thought of cleaning or organizing what may be a daunting task. You can simplify the process by helping them through it. Here are some ideas for spring cleaning:

Clean and Sanitize Physical Spaces

Here are some suggestions for cleaning and sanitizing the physical living quarters. Adjust and prioritize your list based on the size and needs of their apartment, home, or room.

• Clean kitchen appliances (refrigerator, microwave, stove, ect)
  
• Wipe down tables and counters
  
• Clean out cabinets and refrigerator of expired food and medications
  
• Dust ceiling fans, lamps, and windowsills
  
• Sweep, mop, or vacuum floors and carpets
  

Clear the Clutter

Spring cleaning is a great opportunity to clear out the clutter that’s been hanging around all winter. Donate, remove, or throw away items that your loved one no longer needs, and better organize everything else.

• Sort through mail, magazines, and other paperwork
  
• Clean out closets of unused or unneeded items
  

Complete Miscellaneous Tasks
The change in seasons is a great time to complete other miscellaneous tasks that may have gotten neglected during the colder weather.

• Check or change batteries in smoke detectors
  
• Wash all bedding and change sheets
  

If you need someone to help your elderly parent or grandparent with spring cleaning, Unique Care in Bensalem, PA can help. We offer home health aides, certified nursing assistants, companions, and homemakers in the lower Bucks county and northeast Philadelphia areas. Our services can help you simplify the process of spring cleaning and provide safety, companionship, and personal care for your loved one. Please give us a call at 215-639-1100.

Winters are tough in the northeast, especially around the Philadelphia and Bucks County areas. Freezing temperatures, snow, sleet, and worry all make our lives complicated. But when you have a senior citizen to care for, like your elderly mom, dad, or grandparent, things get even rougher. Whether they live with you or in another facility, here are some tips for helping older people recover from a snowstorm:

Car Maintenance

If you are related to a senior that drives, help them with car maintenance, especially during the winter, and save lives. Hazardous roads and driving conditions are dangerous for anyone, but the elderly are at increased risk for injury. Assist them in taking their car for a pre-winter check-up including oils, tires, battery, and wipers and be a big help.

Dress Warmly

Hyperthermia and frostbite from cold temperatures are particularly dangerous for seniors and a risk during the winter. The Centers for Disease Control reports that over 50% of hypothermia-related deaths occurred in people 65 and older.

Keep the house warm and have elderly persons wear layers, including warm socks and sweaters. When venturing outside, be sure they have a heavy coat, warm hat, gloves and a scarf as well. Beware of Ice
Once the snow has been shoveled and your loved one wants to head outdoors again, be careful of hidden ice on the driveway and walkways. It may be okay for you to get around, but seniors are especially prone to slip and falls, and will have much longer recovery times and more complications from these injuries. Have your loved one wear shoes with non-skid soles and traction. Check all areas for ice and ask if they would like a hand getting out to the car.

Watch for Depression

Many elderly persons that live alone lose connections and rarely see loved ones during the winter, as it is more difficult to get around. If you don’t live with them, make sure to check in with them regularly. They may be experienced feelings of isolation or loneliness that a simple phone call can combat. Speaking with the person’s neighbors or friends to encourage communication can also help.

Be Ready for Power Outages

Power outages can be scary for the elderly. Help them out by packing a power outage kit, including flashlights, warm blankets, non-perishable food items, and extra clothing. If you have notice a power outage may occur, make arrangements for someone to stay with the senior, such as a home health aide, or plan to bring them over your house.

Hire a Home Health Aide
​
Home Health Aides, caregivers, and companions are blessings to people that need help, especially during the winter. These hard-working, compassionate workers will be there for your mom, dad, or grandparent during the colder months. Unique Care in Bensalem provides a range of Home Health Aides, from companions to Certified Nursing Assistants, to the elderly in the lower Bucks County and northeast Philly area. Call us today 215-639-1100 for a free consultation of your loved ones needs. ​

Suffering from a debilitating disease is no doubt incredibly difficult. The once automatic ability to walk, dress, write, speak, swallow, or even breathe can become hard work. But the disease also can be a burden for the family members that need to step into the role of caregiver for their parents.

Caregivers love their parents and only want the best for their long-term care. Unfortunately, that can mean sleepless nights, stress, and struggle that puts the caregiver’s health at risk as well. 

Children that are devoted to caring for a parent with a debilitating disease lose their childhood in the name of love. The American Psychological Association reports that approximately 1.3 million people between the ages of 8 and 18 serve as caregivers for sick or disabled relatives... 

Same website, new look! Thank you to Kristy at Light Up Media, Inc, for working with us to build our new website look. If you need a website we recommend sending her an email at [email protected]. Enjoy!