The home is not just a place; it’s a sanctuary where we seek comfort, Security, and solace. However, a cluttered living space can pose significant challenges to our safety, accessibility, Mental Health and wellbeing. This is especially true for individuals with mobility challenges, vision impairments, mental/cognitive issues and caregivers. As the owner of Safe Accessible Home, where I provide virtual home safety and accessibility modification assessments/consultations as an occupational therapist and contractor, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of decluttering and integrating universal design concepts to create homes that enable people to live comfortably and safely for as long as possible. In this article, we’ll explore why decluttering is paramount and how it can positively impact your life.

Challenges of a Cluttered Environment

• Simplifying Daily Life: Having too much clutter can make everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, and personal grooming difficult. This all goes for everyone, but people with significant physical, mental health, cognitive or age related challenges are at more risk in a cluttered environment. Decluttering makes it simpler to find and use essential items for tasks like cooking, dressing, bathing, medication management or leisure activities. A clutter-free home enables anyone to take better care of themselves efficiently.

  Independence is crucial for many seniors, and some only need assistance with a few daily tasks to maintain it. For those with more serious health issues, professional live-in care can provide the support they need.

• Caregivers: Caregivers play an invaluable role in the lives of their loved ones. A cluttered home not only adds physical Stress but also mental strain. By decluttering and optimizing the living space, we ease the burden on caregivers and help maintain their own mental health and wellbeing.

• Mental Health: A clutter-free environment offers numerous mental health benefits. It promotes a sense of calm and reduces Anxiety by eliminating visual chaos and distractions. It fosters a feeling of control and mastery over one’s surroundings, boosting self-esteem and confidence. Additionally, a clutter-free space enhances cognitive Clarity, making it easier to focus on tasks and maintain a peaceful mindset. Overall, a tidy and organized environment can significantly contribute to improved mental health and a greater sense of wellbeing.

• Sanitation: A cluttered home is often difficult to clean thoroughly. Dust, dirt and mildew can accumulate in hidden corners, posing sanitation, hygiene and air quality concerns. A tidy and organized space not only enhances safety but also makes it easier to keep the home clean and healthy.

• Reducing the Risk of Falls: Excessive clutter on the floor poses a significant health risk for people with mobility challenges and older adults. Piles of books, extension cords or heaps of shoes can become dangerous obstacles if not seen in time. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other falls research: More than one out of four Americans age 65+ falls each year. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults. Keeping the house tidy could save a loved one’s life, not to mention preventing weeks in the hospital and months of recovery.

• Preparing for Life Changes: The senior years often involve changes in living arrangements. Some seniors may downsize to a smaller home, while others might want to make space for a live-in caregiver. These transitions can be stressful enough without the added burden of excessive stuff in the house. Seniors who have already decluttered will find it less overwhelming to consider moving to a different bedroom or selling their home.

  The significance of decluttering for overall safety, accessibility, and mental health and wellbeing cannot be overstated. Whether you are living with a disability, caring for a loved one, or planning for your future, a clutter-free and universally designed home can significantly elevate your quality of life. It ensures that your home remains a place of comfort, safety, and happiness for years to come.

If you or a loved one are considering decluttering or need customized home modifications, consider reaching out to Safe Accessible Home. Our virtual home safety and accessibility modification assessments/consultations are designed to guide you toward a safer, more accessible, and more fulfilling living environment. Together, we can declutter your home, eliminate barriers, and create a space that enables you to live life to the fullest, maintaining your independence and safety for as long as possible.

Originally Published on https://www.safeaccessiblehome.com/blogs/

Ryan Salmon Home Safety / Accessibility Specialist

For the past decade, I have been an occupational therapist primarily serving older adults in the home and community. My background in construction has played a huge role in how I support people in tailoring their environment to meet their needs as it relates to maintaining their safety and accessibility for daily activities. I now have my contractors license again and am providing home assessments as well as doing the actual modifications to assist those who wish to continue living in their home for as long as possible. During the pandemic, I was able to support my baby boomer parents with home modification decisions that allowed my father to live out his remaining days in the home as he always desired. This experience, along with personally living in a remote area, lead to my transition to providing virtual home safety and accessibility consultations. My goal is to support people through the entire process from start to finish with assessments over zoom, with photos, videos, gathering data with lidar technology if possible, developing a plan, locating the best contractors for the job, being the liaison between the clients and the contractors and follow up assessments. I am available for medically necessary cases in Alaska, and preparatory cases anywhere else on the planet so if you are planning for the future, feel free to reach out.