A Caregiver's Guide to Spot Clutter Creep

December 15, 2010

A Senior Home's Clutter Zones

Kitchen

• Cabinets with unused pots and pans.
  Problem: a senior can fall trying to get to them.
• Freezer and refrigerator with expired and old food
  Problem: a senior can suffer food poisoning or malnutrition.
• Bills on the counter and kitchen table.
  Problem: unpaid bills.

Bathroom

• Expired medications in the medicine cabinets and old make-up.
  Problem: missed medications and accidental overdosing; skin infections and irritations from expired make-up.
• Cluttered shelves.
  Problem: inability to locate necessities.
• Using the bathtub to store papers.
  Problem: hygiene.

Bedroom

• Papers and magazines on and under beds.
  Problem: fire hazard.
• Too much clothing and shoes in the closet.
  Problem: confusion and disorganization.

Stairways

• Magazines and shoes on the steps.
  Problem: tripping hazard.

Basements

• A catch-all for everything.
  Problem: rodents, mold and mildew.

Download this list, A Caregiver's Guide to Spot Clutter Creep (PDF 352 KB)

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Explore these pages to learn more about

• Decoding the Problems of Seniors and Hoarding
• 10 Reasons Seniors Hang On To Stuff
• If Your Senior Won't Let Go
• Additional Resources for Clutter Creep
• Typical home hazards for seniors

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