Spring Cleaning for Caregivers
Spring is a great time to breathe new life into our homes. We feel a renewed sense of energy to take in more light and clean our spaces.
One area in particular that can use a refresh is the kitchen. We change our eating habits with seasons, so it’s the perfect time to poke through shelves and cupboards and say, “Out with the old/spoiled and in with the new.”
A helping hand can be what a caregiver needs. Climbing, reaching, or crawling into cupboards takes energy and agility. Preserving that energy is part of keeping a caregiver in a state of self-fullness.
We may not know how to help caregivers but if tidying up, cleaning out, or taking out some trash is up your alley, here’s a way to be of service. It’s part of being in the circle of caregiving.
Cleaning cupboards and refrigerators are also a way to keep on top of assessing the needs of a care receiver or caregiver.
Here are five things to pay attention to:
Is there spoiled or out-of-date food in a refrigerator or freezer? Yes, frozen food can be out of date, which can be harmful to someone’s health. Are they aware their food is spoiled or out of date? Awareness of freshness is a possible clue to changes in eating habits, poor nutrition, a change in taste or smell, or dental issues.
Ask about eating preferences, cooking habits, and shopping needs. Do they still like foods that they once ate frequently? Changes in tastes are common with aging, but medications or underlying medical issues may influence these changes. A virus can inhibit the sense of smell or taste, leading to limitations in food preferences. If this is an issue, bringing it to the attention of a medical professional is in order.
Physical access to food, spices, cookware, and dishware enhances any dining experience. Reaching items, needing a stepladder, or picking up heavy things from lower shelves can lead to falls or other injuries. Minimizing balance risks is an essential assist for anyone in their home.
Cleaning and clearing space and increasing accessibility to food, and updating staples and spices offer both the care recipient and caregivers a fresh start for the season. Take out the trash. Please note that food pantries will not accept out-of-date foods.
Providing this type of service routinely enhances the likelihood of one measure of health, a healthy diet, is better maintained.
Do you have your own suggestion on one of these tips, or another that you wish had made the list?
Join the discussion in our Circles of Caregiving Facebook group
Caregiving can be a challenging time.
Grab my “Getting Your Docs In A Row” checklist to help you prepare to care.