Over time even the most meticulous housekeeper begins to have challenges to keeping the house clean. As our vision diminishes, we may miss areas that are soiled or dusty. We may become less able to reach high spots or even bend over to clean lower areas. Admitting that we need help will not come easily. As your relatives age, take note of how clean they are able to keep the house. In the event there are problems, it never hurts to offer to help or to just pitch in when you are visiting.
One problem that develops over time is the accumulation of “stuff” in the house. This is not always because someone is a hoarder. Things accumulate over time simply because a person lives in a home, 40 or 50 years in the same house will result in many mementos. The best way to address this is head on. “Mom, I am worried that you are unable to do the heavy cleaning and the dust is bothering you.” Offer to assist to organize the rooms that are not being used so much as they used to be. Spend some time sorting through a room or closet to get your own stuff that you left behind when you moved into your own place. Assist to sort through the photos, put labels on the photos and get the stories behind them as you go. If you take it one room, closet or cabinet at a time, things will get sorted.
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