Older adults who want to stay in their homes for as long as possible can start with a simple step: clearing clutter. That is the advice in a column published by Miami’s Community Newspapers, written by Dr. Joel Caschette, chief medical officer of UnitedHealthcare Medicare and Retirement Plans of Florida.
Clutter can make it harder to move safely through a home, especially where walkways narrow, stairs get blocked or cords run across the floor. The column notes that falls are the leading cause of injury for adults 65 and older, and that more than one in four older adults reports falling each year. Throw rugs are among the hazards it lists.
The column recommends starting with one small area, such as a drawer, countertop or entryway. It suggests securing loose rugs, moving cords out of walkways and placing everyday items between waist and shoulder height. For sorting, it proposes four piles: keep, give to family or friends, donate or recycle, and discard. A “decide later” box can hold sentimental items, as long as the owner returns to it.
The piece also points to other safety upgrades, including brighter lighting, sturdy handrails, nonslip surfaces and properly installed grab bars. The National Institute on Aging publishes a room-by-room home safety checklist, and the column suggests talking with a healthcare provider about changes in mobility, balance, vision or medications.
For residents of Cutler Bay and the rest of Miami-Dade, the column is a reminder that small changes at home can help people stay independent as their needs change.
