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The Spring Cleaning Guide for Seniors

By Thomas H and Nurse Kim

Spring is here! As flowers bloom and days grow longer, many of us set aside a day or two for spring cleaning. But what does it look like for seniors?

When you think of Spring Cleaning you may think of washing windows, putting away cold-weather clothes, and airing out rooms. But Spring cleaning isn’t just about dusting and scrubbing and polishing. It’s a time-honored ritual that is important for seniors. Spring cleaning is an opportunity for seniors to freshen their homes, but it is also a time to check that essential systems in the home are working properly. Doing these tasks improves their overall health and wellness. Read on to explore why spring cleaning matters for seniors:

Promotes Physical Activity

Many seniors are more sedentary during the colder months. This can lead to stiffness and decreased mobility. Spring cleaning is an opportunity to get moving, stretch muscles, and engage in physical activity, which is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being.

Reduces Allergens

As we age, our immune systems may weaken, making us more susceptible to allergens and airborne irritants. Deep cleaning tasks like dusting, vacuuming, and washing linens can significantly reduce allergens in the home and help protect seniors against respiratory illnesses.

Enhances Safety

Clutter and disorganization can be a major safety hazard for seniors. Clutter increases the risk of trips, falls, and other accidents. By decluttering and organizing their living spaces, seniors can create a safer environment that reduces the likelihood of accidents and injuries.

Boosts Mental Health

An untidy or cluttered home can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety. Spring cleaning can give seniors a sense of accomplishment and control over their environment. This can have a positive impact on mental health and overall well-being.

Prepares for the Future

Regular spring cleaning allows seniors to assess the condition of their homes and address any maintenance or repair needs promptly. By performing an annual check of important systems and appliances, seniors can identify problems before things break, avoiding larger, more expensive issues down the road. Making this check a part of spring cleaning helps seniors maintain a safe and comfortable living environment.

To support seniors, JEVS Care at Home (JCAH) has a dedicated team of caregivers, such as Nurse Kim. Here is her checklist to follow as you spring clean:

  1. Check your medicine cabinet. Remove all expired medications and prescriptions and ones you no longer use.
  2. Check your refrigerator and pantry. Get rid of all food that is expired.
  3. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace all batteries.
  4. Check your fire extinguishers and make sure they read “full”. (Every home should have at least two extinguishers.)
  5. Replace air filters if you have central air/heat.
  6. Replace all broken light bulbs.
  7. Check area rugs for any tripping hazard.
  8. Watch out for electrical cords or phone cords that could be tripping hazards.
  9. Consider installing grab bars in the bathtub, shower, and near the toilet.
  10. Review your emergency plan

If you don’t already have an Emergency Kit, spring cleaning is a perfect time to put one together. Once you’ve assembled your emergency kit, check it in Winter and Spring and replace any items that you have used or that have expired.

Be sure that your emergency kit has these recommended items:

  1. Flashlight and spare batteries
  2. Thermometer
  3. Band-Aids
  4. Scissors
  5. Tape
  6. Triple antibiotic ointment
  7. Wound care dressings
  8. Protein bars/Granola Bar
  9. Current medication list
  10. Emergency contact list that includes the names and phone numbers of family and friends.
Put Safety First

Nurse Kim emphasizes that safety should always come first. If a task feels overwhelming, seek help! Remember these three things before you start your spring cleaning and whenever you are performing tasks around the house:

  1. Never try to move furniture or heavy objects on your own.
  2. Don’t stand on a chair or ladder to clean hard to reach spots or change light bulbs.
  3. Use cordless cleaning tools and lightweight equipment

Remember, JEVS Care at home (JCAH) can help! Our caregivers can assist with many of the tasks you need to complete to keep your home tidy, comfortable, and safe. Our services are available at no cost to qualified Medicaid recipients and eligible veterans. We also work with many long-term insurance plans, and we offer affordable rates for those who must use their own resources to pay for services. Contact us today for more information.

5 Fruits and Vegetables for Senior Diets   

By Thomas H.

Eating a healthy diet becomes more important as we get older. Fruits and vegetables are vital to getting the vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants we need. Yet not all foods offer the same nutritional benefits. Here are five top picks for seniors. 

Spinach

Spinach deserves a place in the diet of seniors. It is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, iron, and calcium. Spinach supports bone health, immune function, and cardiovascular health. Additionally, its high fiber content aids with digestion and may help manage blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. 

Blueberries

Blueberries are small but mighty when it comes to nutritional value. They are rich in antioxidants that have been linked to improved brain function and reduced inflammation. Eating blueberries may also help support heart health and maintain healthy blood pressure levels. 

Broccoli

Broccoli has many health benefits and is an excellent addition to a senior’s diet. It is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. Eating broccoli also supports immune function and bone health. It may even help reduce the risk of certain cancers, including prostate and colon cancer. Also, broccoli’s high fiber content promotes digestive health and helps regulate cholesterol levels.

Apples

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away” is a saying with some truth, especially for seniors. Apples are a great source of fiber, which aids in digestion. Fiber also makes us feel “full,” and that can help seniors maintain a healthy weight. Apples contain antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and certain cancers.  

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are both delicious and very nutritious. This makes them an ideal choice for seniors looking to support their health. Sweet potatoes are packed with beta-carotene, which promotes eye health and immune function. They also have ample amounts of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, which support heart health, bone health, and digestive function. The complex carbohydrates in sweet potatoes provide energy without causing spikes in blood sugar levels. 

Spinach, blueberries, broccoli, apples, and sweet potatoes, offer many health benefits for seniors. Just remember that variety is key when it comes to fruits and vegetables. You should aim to cover half of your plate with a colorful assortment of in-season fruits and vegetables to ensure that you are getting a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Also, ask your doctor if you have any health conditions that would prevent you from eating certain foods.  

Find Support

By embracing the power of fruits and vegetables, you can nourish your body and enjoy a higher quality of life as you age gracefully. If you need help with food preparation or cooking, JEVS Care at Home can help. Contact us today for more on how we help seniors and adults with disabilities lead full and independent lives.  

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