Organization Tips for Seniors and Family Caregivers

Everyone could use assistance with more organization in their lives. And as you age, it may be time to consider organizing things in a new way to lessen physical and mental stress. With the new year in full swing, there’s no better time to consider organizing your home, essential documents, and medications. 

Organizing your physical space

Organizing your home is more than making your home look and feel clean. An organized home can also reduce your chances of falling or having an accident that could lead to significant injuries. 

• Keep your hallways and entryways free of clutter.
  Having items on the floor where you walk can increase your risk of tripping and falling. Move items away from walkways and entries by placing things in rooms you don’t frequent or placing items on shelves to get them off the floor. 
  
  
• Move all essentials to lower shelves and cabinets.
  Keep all your essential items, like medications, personal grooming products, and foods on shelves or in cabinets no higher than your hip. If they’re easier to reach, you won’t have to use a step stool or risk straining a muscle trying to get something. 
  
  
• Toss or donate any unneeded items. Take the time to clean your home and get rid of anything you don’t need. Make a keep, toss, and donate pile to help organize your belongings. It can be challenging to get rid of things, but be honest about what you need and don’t. 

Organizing essential documents

We collect many essential documents throughout life, from birth certificates to diplomas and insurance information. Organizing your important documents can remove stress from loved ones if something happens to you. 

• Gather all essential documents.
  Essential documents include any paperwork or records that your loved ones may need in the case of an emergency. Papers to find include social security cards, birth certificates, passports, marriage or divorce records, employment records, group card affiliations, and school records. You’ll also want to include any financial papers like deeds, tax returns, and medical records. 
  
  
• Ensure you have an estate plan.
  It’s uncomfortable to think about your end of life, but estate planning documents are essential to helping your family make decisions after you’re gone. You’ll want a will, funeral and burial requests, and a life insurance policy. It’s also helpful to have a beneficiary for financial accounts and a power of attorney to handle health and property decisions. 
  
  
• Keep documents in one place.
  Have all of your essential information in a safe place. Let a trusted loved one know where the documents are and how to access any necessary information. 

Organizing medications

It’s not uncommon to take a few different medications for various health-related conditions as you age, but sometimes it’s challenging to remember when to take them and how often. Use the following tips to help organize your medications. 

• Keep medications in one place.
  Make sure where you store your medications in a cool, dry location, as heat and moisture may affect medicines. Put all your medications in an easy-access spot, such as a medicine cabinet. 
  
  
• Set a reminder.
  It’s vital to take your medications consistently and as directed. If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, you can set a reminder on your smartphone or set the alarm with an alarm clock. 
  
  
• Sort medications each week.
  If you’re taking multiple medications daily, you can use a pill organizer to sort your prescriptions at the start of each week.
   
• Plan refills ahead of time.
  Don’t wait until you’re out of medication to call in for a refill. Some medicines may take a few hours or days to refill, so try to call in at least a week before you run out. Some pharmacies may have an automatic refill option, so they’ll be ready for pickup as soon as you need them. 

The team at Visiting Angels is available to work with seniors with organizations. Our team of professional caregivers provides nonmedical services such as light housekeeping, medication reminders, mobility assistance, and transportation. Our Ravenna office works with seniors in Portage, Geauga, and Southern Cuyahoga counties. If you’d like to learn more about our at-home services, send us a message or call 330.297.2000.