As part of our Signs of decline series, we look at concerns around failing to keep on top of housework. Having an untidy or dirty home isn’t simply an issue of appearances, it can be a sign of decline and can also pose health and safety risks. There are many reasons for failing behind on housework and it is worth initiating a conversation if you are concerned so you can find a solution together. This may include finding help with housework for the elderly or employing a senior home help.
Why is it important for elderly people to have a clean and tidy home?
A clean and organised house creates a pleasant living environment but it is especially important for older adults. Cluttered walkways, dusty surfaces, and unwashed dishes can lead to accidents, infections, or simply make day-to-day living uncomfortable. Poor hygiene in the home can attract pests or lead to food going off. It can also impact a person’s mood as living in a messy space can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression.
Why might an elderly person begin to neglect housework?
There are several possible reasons why an older person may fail to keep on top of housework, these include:
- Physical limitations – Tasks that once seemed easy like vacuuming, reaching high shelves, or scrubbing the bathroom become much harder with age. Conditions like arthritis, reduced mobility, or poor eyesight can make cleaning more challenging.
- Cognitive decline – Your loved one might forget to do certain chores or lose track of when they last cleaned.
- Mental health issues – Loneliness or depression can also lower motivation. If someone feels there’s no one visiting or no reason to keep things tidy, they may begin to let things slip.
- Loss of routine or structure – Changes in personal circumstances such as retirement or losing a partner can mean daily routines change and housework is no longer scheduled as it was in the past.
How to help an elderly person who is failing to keep on top of housework?
If you’ve noticed that a loved one isn’t managing their housework, start with having a gentle conversation. They might not realise how bad things have become, or they might be too proud or embarrassed to ask for help.
- Tips to make housework easier: If your loved one is keen to manage the housework themselves, there are a number of ways to make housework easier as you age:
- Use lightweight tools: Swap heavy vacuums and buckets for lighter, easy-to-use alternatives. Consider a robot vacuum cleaner, some even mop as well as dust.
- Keep cleaning supplies on each floor : This reduces the need to go up and down stairs.
- Use long-handled tools: These reduce bending and stretching. You can get long handled mops, brushes and sponges as well as grabbers to help pick things up without bending down.
- Declutter regularly: Fewer items make it quicker to tidy and clean. Decluttering can be hard, particularly with sentimental items so allow time to consider what to sell, donate or recycle. You might like to listen to a recent BBC Women’s Hour special on Decluttering.
- Break jobs into small chunks: One task per day is more manageable than doing everything at once. Using a checklist like the one below might be helpful:
