A lifetime of collecting memories often results in an excess of objects in our living environment. While these memories are precious, clutter around the home is a hazard for seniors. It can cause falls and other injuries. Many seniors must use a wheelchair or a walker that requires extra floor space.

Having a connection to “things” is understandable. Today’s seniors have lived through tough economic times like the Great Depression and World War II. It was essential to save anything that could be used again. Acknowledge their frugality and gently suggest finding a better place for the items. Often times, seniors reach a point where they realize how overwhelming their possessions have become. Focus on keeping the memories and not the stuff.

Dividing items into categories can create a smoother experience. The Keep category is everything that stays or will go into storage. Try not to store items that only put off the decision of disposal. The Give category includes those items to donate to charities. This can provide either extra cash or a tax deduction for the senior. The Sell category contains any items of value such as jewelry, antiques, or rare items. For your most valuable items, make sure to get referrals and use dealers who are willing to supply references. The final and, most often, largest category is Toss. Don’t be afraid to dispose of unnecessary items.

Using a Certified Relocation and Transition Specialist (CRTS) to assist will streamline the process and make it less stressful. The professionals at Marca Life Planning will help sort your items while carefully preserving your memories. They can provide an objective viewpoint and keep you and your loved ones on track.

Change is hard for everyone, but reorganizing and downsizing has many advantages. Seniors have a safer home and less to maintain. As the child of an aging parent, you can appreciate knowing that possessions have been settled according to your elderly parents’ wishes. Most importantly, you will no longer be left with the monumental task of settling affairs in the event of a crisis.

Technological assistance for elders can take many forms. For elders living at home, there are many “smart” items that allow for certain chores to become easy tasks. Trash cans that open automatically can help those with hand limitations. Robotic vacuum cleaners, floor washers, and vacuum dustbins reduce the need for physical exertion when keeping a home clean.

When watching television, some elders with reduced hearing and vision cannot properly enjoy this leisurely activity. Using sound amplification systems increase volume without disturbing others. A screen enlarger can magnify images while a voice-activated remote can solve any issues with upper body limitations.

Elders who like to cook can benefit from kitchen modifications. At the push of a button, counters can be adjusted to optimal height. A stove guard keeps elders safe by using motion detection to turn off the stove when no one is near it for a specific amount of time. Ovens are being designed with easier-to-open doors. Certain dishwashers can hold an entire bottle of detergent, eliminating the need to add detergent with every use.

Can doing laundry be easier for elders? Companies have tested many of their products with elders who have a variety of limitations and disabilities. Pedestals raise the heights of washers and dryers, while larger knobs help those with arthritis. An inexpensive solution is using laundry detergent packets to avoid lifting and pouring detergent from heavy containers.

Streamlining homes for elders can improve quality of life and increase independence. Small improvements can make a world of difference in an elder’s life and those who love them.

Did you know that more than 6 million elderly Americans need assistance from family or friends if they are to live at home? Valuable technologies exist to help families when elderly parents decide to remain at home.

Marca Med Alert offers personal emergency response systems. FreedomAlert is a 2-way voice pendant communicator that provides families with peace of mind. Talk directly to family, friends, or an emergency operator.

The pendants are splash resistant and can be taken into the shower where accidents often occur. Communication is available at a 600 foot range from the base station – anywhere in and around your home. The base station plugs into any standard phone jack in the home. Even when traveling, you can bring your system along and plug into any standard phone jack!

FreedomAlert is recommended by healthcare providers, doctors, and homecare/healthcare industry experts. Have 24/7 protection while maintaining your independence.

Visit Marca Med Alert or call 1-800-489-3933.

People are living longer lives. Many older adults want to remain in their own homes. This concept is also known as age in place. A variety of technological advances facilitate older adults in their desire of aging in place.

Monitoring involves the use of technology to keep caregivers or family members apprised of an older adult’s status. It may be as simple as calling an elder on the telephone to check on the individual. Telephones with adjustable volume, speaker phones, and lightweight headsets are helpful for individuals who have difficulty holding a phone while talking.

Many videophone products offer the added advantage of being able to see the older adult. It can provide information about strength and balance while watching for any changes in routine habits such as daily grooming. More extensive monitoring systems are also available, using sensors to track an elder’s movement throughout the home. For example, when an elder walks to the bathroom but does not return in a timely fashion, an alert can be sent to various caregivers.

Personal emergency response systems help elders contact family, friends, and emergency assistance. This can allow the elder to receive faster assistance in an emergency, give an improved sense of security, and increase confidence in everyday activities. Family and friends also benefit from a better piece of mind.