Untidy spaces are considered a major risk for falls and when it comes to seniors, around one in five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or head trauma. Every year, around three million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries. Highlighting the importance of taking every step you can to ensure your home is a safe and risk-free zone. Of course, falls are only one way in which a senior’s health and wellbeing can be affected. Read on to discover why it pays to keep your home clean and tidy and obtain professional help if required.
Dirt and Germs in Everyday Household and Office Items
We live and work in close daily contact with items around us—our beds, curtains, and carpets, yet all these items need to be cleaned according to a recommended schedule. If you have carpets in your home or office, know that they can contain a plethora of germs. A typical office carpet accumulates bacteria, dirt, and bad odors and home carpets often share these same dangers. Some researchers have found that carpets can contain 40,000 times more bacteria than a toilet seat and some of these—such as E Coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus, can cause serious diseases that sometimes require hospitalization.
Mold and Mildew Can Be Hidden
Unless you are a bit of an expert on mold and mildew, it is a good idea to have your own inspected annually. Some types of mold—such as black mold—produce allergens, irritants, and toxins that can cause skin rashes, asthma attacks, and other respiratory issues. Mold usually grows in damp places such as the basement but if you have leaking pipes or other sources of moisture, it can also grow in common rooms such as the bedroom and living room. Having a professional inspection is a good way to ensure that all your pipes are in working order and that your home is mold-free. Should the inspectors find toxic mold, then they would need to conduct a professional clean to ensure all spores are completely removed.
A Clean Home Invites Social Interaction
Seniors who live in dirty, untidy homes can feel less motivated to invite others to visit them. As such, a home that fails to live up to common standards of cleanliness can act as a deterrent to sustaining friendships and making new connections. Seniors who enjoy cleaning and tidying up can make the process healthier by choosing organic, natural, non-toxic cleaning products. They can use lighter vacuum cleaners and replace equipment that is difficult to use (for instance, washers with a top door instead of a front one) with more ergonomic equipment. Those that wish to rely on help from a professional cleaning service, meanwhile, should ensure that the company is specifically experienced in working with the elderly. They should use gentle products, know how to look out for potential hazards, and make suggestions to boost home safety.
Homes that are not regularly cleaned can house a host of germs that can cause disease. Untidy homes can also cause trips and falls. Finally, homes that don’t make the cleanliness grade can be a deterrent to social interaction. For all these reasons, sticking to a regular cleaning schedule is certainly a worthy investment.
