Spring is finally here, and as a caregiver, this means helping to clean your loved one’s living environment and making it more sanitary and organized. Along with the usual scrubbing, dusting, vacuuming, and mopping, here are some additional ways you can help your loved one prepare for the new season:
- Clear the air with deodorizers that actually eliminate odors, not simply mask them. Open windows to bring in some fresh spring air into the home. Make sure to launder bedding and clothing as soon as soiling occurs. For increased odor protection, an adult diaper pail, such as the Akord Disposal System, not only helps control odors, but also provides an easy, discreet, and hygienic way to dispose of used incontinence supplies.
- Get rid of old urine mattress stains and odors with a stain remover. Enzyme based products effectively lifts and destroys urine stains, while eliminating odor-causing bacteria. To protect the bed and furniture from future stains and odors, use a waterproof mattress cover or washable underpad.
- Reduce clutter. Spring is the time to organize the house and get rid of all unwanted and unnecessary boxes, newspapers, clothing, and other items that seem to pile up during the winter months. De-cluttering, especially the path to the bathroom, helps reduce your elderly loved one’s risks for trips and falls.
- Replenish incontinence supplies. Make sure that your loved one is well stocked with absorbent products, disposable wipes, and diaper rash ointments. If you haven’t already, sign up for an automatic delivery service that sends incontinence products right to your doorstep on an ongoing basis. The National Incontinence AutoShip Plan ensures that your loved one will never have to worry about running out of incontinence pads and adult diapers.
- Replace batteries in the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Toss out expired medication and food. Go through your loved one’s medicine cabinet, fridge, and pantry, making sure that nothing has expired or gone moldy.
