New Year Spring Clean

After the joys of the Christmas period, with a whole year stretched out in front of us, it’s a time to take stock, take a breath and start fresh.

For many, ‘starting fresh’ starts with a clean space. Following the sage advice of Marie Kondo, expert tidier and spring clean consultant, tidying up isn’t just about having a tidy space, it’s about having a tidy mind.

Expert in organisational behaviour, Assistant Professor Libby Sanders from Bond University, agrees, with her research finding that the stress we feel when surrounded by clutter is legitimate. 

“Clutter can affect our anxiety levels, sleep, and ability to focus,” she explains.

At Life Without Barriers, they understand that as older people’s mobility and energy levels change, so too does their ability to manage clutter and general tidying up.

Director of Aged Care at Life Without Barriers, Brendan Smith, says, “As people get older, their ability to perform domestic chores becomes more difficult.

“This inability to manage a space can occur for a number of reasons, including the physical exertion it takes to clean and reorganise the home environment.”

Mr Smith says having a professional, such as a supportive in home care worker, can be instrumental in kickstarting the cleaning process.

“It can be daunting for someone to know where to begin when they feel overwhelmed by the amount of work needed,” he explains. 

“If it’s a bigger task, where family members or friends might not have the capacity to help. We can help you to get the job done, maintaining independence is as important to us as it is for our clients.”

“Decluttering and cleaning was particularly important for older people, as a clear environment reduced the potential for injury.”

Cluttered homes often present as a significant fall risk for older Australians at home and can also exacerbate memory issues. 

Mr Smith adds, “Clutter overwhelms the mind and simply makes it harder to navigate a space.”

On the back of an overwhelming year, what better time than 2021 to clean those hard to reach places, get on top of your laundry and tidy up the Tupperware!

Through your Home Care Package, you can access services that can help you take stock of a space and begin working towards a plan for organisation and functionality.

To get the ball rolling, talk to a member of the Life Without Barriers team about their domestic support services, or any of our other aged care services, by phoning 1800 935 483, or emailing agedcareservices@lwb.org.au. For more information, visit the Life Without Barriers website.