Unique Gift Idea for the Elderly: Organizing a Senior's Home for Efficiency and Independence

It's almost the holiday season, and every year I hear people asking:

"What on earth can I possibly get for the aging loved one on my gift list? What do they really need?" 

I've written a couple of posts on gift buying for the elderly, but for this post, I thought I would focus on something besides "just a gift".


I focused here on gifts to buy the elderly in nursing homes, and this post on what NOT to take as a gift to a nursing home. 

So now I want to talk about a gift idea for the senior citizen who still lives in their own home. 

What's the most amazing gift you can give to an elderly loved one who is aging in place? How about helping them live as independently as possible by organizing their living space?





Making the elderly home organized and efficient can go a long way to helping them be more independent. Too many times I've seen the inside of an senior's home, and their family or caretakers have merely stuffed things out of sight to make the house seem more clean.


That just means the elder has to spend more time rummaging for things they need...usually while either bending over or standing on a stool. Why not give your elderly loved one a gift that keeps on giving, by working with them to make their home more efficient for their needs?


You don't have to a major home overhaul either. Focus on the main rooms used by your loved one first...especially the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, where common items are used multiple times per day.

How to Start Organizing an Elder's Home?

The least overwhelming way to start is by visually assessing what you already have to work with.

Take note of potential safety risks.

Try a "mock run" of a certain chore, such as cooking breakfast, and then ask yourself questions like these:

• How hard was it to find a skillet? 
• How long did it take to locate all the ingredients?
• Did you have to climb or get down on hands or knees? 
• Did you have to walk to various cabinets and shelves to collect everything?
• Were "like" items stored together? 
• Or say, was the wooden spoon on the opposite side of the kitchen from the spatula?
• Did you have to dig through stuff that isn't used often? (Think holiday serving dishes, appliances for specialty recipes, etc.) 

You can do the same thing in any room. Or have your parent show you how they do a routine so you can see which items they are likely to use the most.

Once you have that in mind, you can rearrange to make their routines much easier. Cut down the time it takes them to find necessary items by using bins, drawer dividers, and other storage solutions.

Store items that are used seasonally or infrequently in highest or lowest cabinets where they will be out of the way. For example, if they only use a slow-cooker for holiday meals, it can be stored more out of the way with similar appliances.

This can free up a lot of counter and cabinet space, which also makes it easier for your loved one to clean and disinfect their work area.


TIP: Matching bins with labels are better than color coded bins which can make a room look cluttered and confusing. Solid color, opaque bins are nice in outer rooms since they can make the house feel "company ready" with minimal effort, while keeping cluttery stuff out of sight. 

Clear bins are best in the fridge and bathrooms where the contents can easily be seen. Plastic, metal and treated wood that can be wiped easily are better than porous surfaces, such as wicker, that can trap dust and bacteria. Remember, you want to make their life easier, not give them things that require specialty cleaning. 

*This post may contain affiliate links. When you buy via my links, I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Full disclaimer here.* 

Storage and Organization Ideas for the Elderly

Organizing for seniors is a bit different than organizing for the needs of a busy, younger home.

Not everything has to be super organized and labeled though, unless there are memory issues. And not all "trendy" organizing ideas are going to be necessary. (For example, using labeled canisters for all the food makes a really pretty pantry, but that could be time consuming and exhausting for the elderly to maintain.)

The best solutions are items that are:

• Sturdy (nothing that bows or bends when lifted or moved) 
• Non-breakable
• Easy-to-grip (think large comfortable handholds) 
• Easy-to-clean (non-porous, forgiving materials) 
• Uncomplicated (complex organizational devices and systems are overwhelming!) 
• Well-labeled 

Here are some easy ideas you can implement to help your loved one stay tidy and independent:

Kitchen Storage Ideas for the Elderly

The kitchen is one of the most important areas (along with the bathrooms) to keep tidy, safe, and easy-to-clean. 

Skillet Racks

Any type of pot and pan organizer can help. Racks that hold the skillets apart can make grabbing the right pan easy and fast. Similar racks can hold lids and baking sheets too, so there isn't a messy jumble of cookware to dig through.

This prevents the need to stoop or bend repeatedly, which can lead to dizziness, falls, and other issues.

Also look into racks for sorting Tupperware and lids and pot lids.


Kitchen Drawers

Drawers can be tamed with a few baskets from the dollar store. Mostly, you want to focus on having everyday tools (like a cooking spoon) in the most convenient place, and things that aren't used often, (like corn cob holders and the ice cream scoop) out of the way.


Over-the-Sink Shelf

A nice simple shelf over the sink, and a little plastic basket can tidy up the kitchen and keep dish supplies accessible rather than hidden under the sink. Its also a cute place to keep a small potted plant if there is a window.

If the dish supplies on the shelf seem too untidy, a rack secured to the inside of the cabinet door under the sink will also put things within easy reach.

Canned Good Bins

Moving to the pantry or cupboards, consider something to contain canned goods, such as these wire dispensers. 

I've opened cabinets before in senior's homes and caused avalanches of food items. Canned goods are particularly painful if they fall on your head or foot, and picking them up means bending or crawling around on the floor.

Bins that "dispense" canned goods also promote food safety, since older cans automatically roll to the front. No more cans getting pushed to the back to pass their expiration date under a blanket of dust.



Broom and Mop Holders

I can remember getting whacked many times by my grandmother's broom. It was tucked into different crevices, such as between the fridge and wall, between the washer and dryer, behind the bedroom door...

Sometimes, you stepped just right and it ninja-attacked you from it's hiding spot.

Not only did she never know where the broom was without hunting for it, it was a tripping hazard if it fell in the night. When it was hung up, it was on a hook in the laundry nook and you had to fight to get it loose around all the laundry supplies.

Good news, they make awesome holders for brooms that don't involve having to try to hook a broom handle on a peg, nail or hook. You just slide it in and out, and brooms and mops stay corralled in one place. If possible, find a place that doesn't require having to reach over other items.


Magnetic Knife Rack


No more dangerous drawers full of sharp blades, or accidental cuts searching for the paring knife. A nice magnetic knife rack is a safer place to store sharp tools, and it saves more space than using a knife block.

I'm always surprised when people don't consider knives and scissors as a hazard for the elderly. When they are jumbled in a drawer or a utensil holder, there is such a risk of getting accidentally cut, especially a person has impaired vision or difficulties with motor skills.


Clear Food Storage Containers

Good, clear food storage containers are the best. Opaque food storage containers (including repurposed food containers such as butter bowls) are not good. Unless your loved one is really good about eating or discarding leftovers in a timely manner, and can remember what is in every bowl, clear is better.

Also, this is one time when glass is better. And square/rectangular pieces store so much neater than round containers.



Command Center


Yes, they are trendy, and you've probably seen a million on Pinterest that are geared towards busy families. But they can be super helpful for the elderly too! If they don't have an office space, Find the place they naturally seem to keep things such as bills, pens, phone books and calendars and get all that stuff arranged.

Need some inspiration? Check out some command centers featured on Good Housekeeping.

A spare kitchen cabinet is wonderful, since it can also house their daily medications (away from steam!). A Large, easy-to-read calendar, a holder for pens, magnifying glass, calculator; a note pad, a tear off list for things like groceries, and other items can go here.

Also an inbox and outbox for mail. Keep the stamps and envelopes close by too.

Looking for a fun stocking stuffer idea? Check out these cute magnetic notepads.



TIP: Set the mail rack up so that there is a bin for mail that looks suspicious. Whenever they get a letter they can't understand, or aren't sure its legitimate, have them sort it there until they can discuss it with you or another trustworthy advocate.

Bathroom Organization Ideas for Seniors

Organizing a bathroom is pretty easy, and can make things so much easier for your loved one.


A Clear Pocket Organizer


These are technically "shoe racks". But you know what? They are great for so many things. I have one in my office to hold charger cables, craft supplies, batteries and other little things. Where are they most useful for the elderly? In the bathroom!


It's no secret that the elderly have just as many lotions and potions as the rest of us. Popping items together in these pockets makes them tidy, yet visible and easy to reach. Ideas?

• Shaving supplies
• Extra bar soap
• Dental care supplies
• Lotion
• Frequently used OTC remedies such as rubbing alcohol.
• Washcloths
• Room freshener spray
• Trash bags for bathroom
• Wet wipes
• Cosmetics
• Handsoap refill

One great reason for getting everything in a pocket organizer instead of crammed into the bathroom cabinet is safety. Digging around under the sink where cleaning supplies are often stored can lead to accidental spills.

Also, things like toilet bowl brushes are probably under there. These things could contaminate medicines, lotions and other toiletry items and your loved one could inadvertently transfer germs and bacteria other areas of the house.


A Sturdy Toiletry Rack for the Shower

This is such a simple touch and can take away a lot of frustration when showering. Search for a corner shower caddy or one that secures to the wall so that it doesn't swing or tip.

Wrestling slippery shampoo bottles is hard enough for anyone with a wonky shower rack. Imagine trying to do that with arthritis or poor vision.


Plastic Storage Units

For things that are more private in nature, plastic storage carts with drawers are good. Smaller ones will fit under the sink (in the clean zone). You could also use plastic baskets on a shelf within easy reach.

Ideally: move towels and other linens to a center shelf or cabinet so they are both easy to access at bath-time and easy to put away on laundry day. The same rule applies for bathrooms as kitchens...the less it is used, the higher up (or lower down) it can be stored.

Try to keep all daily and weekly items between eye and hip level. 

Organizing Other Rooms

Laundry


Laundry rooms would be third on my list of rooms to reorganize for safety and efficiency. This is because most laundry rooms are designed with storage overhead, and often that involves reaching over the washer and dryer to lift down heavy items.

You probably can't change where the storage shelves or cabinets are located, (especially in laundry nooks), but it can help immensely if you break all the items down and sort them into smaller bins with handles. So, instead of pulling down one huge caddy filled with cleaning supplies, they could access a smaller bin with just the supplies they need for a certain job, and everything will be in one place.

One thing that made my life with laundry a lot easier was moving my detergent from the box to a tub with a lid. It saves space, it is easier to get off the shelf, and it never spills accidentally anymore. Liquid detergent is probably best left in its own container though.


As with the bathroom, a clear pocket organizer can be amazing in a laundry room for holding things like lint rollers, dryer sheets, and scrub brushes. If it is also a utility room, then the pockets will hold cleaning rags, vacuum attachments and other little things that tend to clutter the tops of appliances.

Living Area, Bedrooms, Etc.

Just remember that bedrooms are highly personal. Make sure your loved one is on board with any changes you make. This is not an area to do a "surprise" makeover.


Cube Shelf with Bins


This is my one exception to the "plastic is best" rule for bins. The canvas bins that fit cube shelves do become dirty easily, but they can be replaced when needed.

These come in all shapes and sizes and they can be a tidier alternative to standard bookcases and side tables.

What can they be used for? Hobby supplies, magazines, photo books, extra throw blankets, shoes, pet toys...anything. Also things a person might want to have on hand, but not necessarily out in the open all the time such as heating pads, blood pressure monitors and other health related stuff.

Because they are so flexible they will work in just about any room, and can easily be labeled.

TIP: If you use a taller cube shelf or stacked units, please secure them to a wall. When the elderly stumble they instinctively grab furniture to support themselves. Any tall heavy piece of furniture can topple and seriously injure a senior! This can also make an elder feel safer if they have problems moving around a room but aren't ready to use an assistive device. 


Rolling Cart By Their Chair

Even with a lot of nifty storage in place, your loved one probably wants to keep some things within easy reach when they are relaxing. If they have hobbies such as sewing or reading, a rolling plastic cart is much better than baskets on the floor. It puts the supplies higher up, and smaller baskets can be placed inside to keep things separated.

The top can also serve as temporary resting place for a drink, a snack or a project. Bonus? It can be rolled out of the way, and even out of sight whenever they want. No lifting and lugging.


Bedside Storage

Most elders I know keep a variety of medications and other items piled around their bed within easy reach. You probably aren't going to talk them out of the habit, so the next best thing is to make sure everything is organized.

Use plastic bins for this, because medicines and lotions can drip and leak.

Provide a separate bin or tray for things like a television remote, eyeglasses, and reading books.

They also make pocket holders that slip under the mattress for this, but in my experience, the nightstand is still going to collect most of the clutter because it is easier to reach. The pocket organizer can still be handy for things they don't use as often.

A simple bedside trick is to add a very small wastebasket. This provides an easy way to dispose of tissues, wrappers, cotton swabs and empty packets (instead of piling them on the tray or in the other bins to get rid of "later").



Under the Bed Storage


It's inevitable that the elderly  are going to store things under the bed. My grandmother stored her extra cookware under the guest bed.

An elderly in-law stored miscellaneous clutter in shoe boxes.

An elderly neighbor kept photos, tons of pantyhose and craft supplies under the bed.


Good, sturdy storage made for under the bed means that what goes under, can come back out easily. Plus, it can be labeled and organized.

Ideally, the best solution would be to help them find a way to store everything in more appropriate places, and saving under the bed for things like seasonal outfits and bulky items (extra electric blankets, for instance. If that's not possible, then at least this means they can pull things out without having to be on the floor too long rummaging.

A Final Word About Organizing Your Elderly Loved One's Living Space

It is so easy to carried away with organizing and decluttering. And if feels great to be doing something for other people. But please do so with care and consideration.

Part of the reason your loved one wishes to age at home is because it is familiar and comfortable. In most cases, you don't want to go in and make so many huge changes that their home feels alien to them.

How much or how little you do should depend on:

• Your loved one's physical needs

• Their mental wellbeing

• Their independence and self-care abilities

• How much they need or want done

To sum those up quickly:

1. The more physically fit they are, the less they will need done right now. However, implementing some new changes can help them farther down the road.


2. If they have dementia or anxiety, smaller changes spread out over a longer period will be better than a lot of changes all at once. And of course, you should always ask first if they would like for you to help them a little. Some seniors may be offended, thinking you are critiquing their housekeeping skills. You know your loved one best, so if you think some changes would be good...approach the subject in a way that is suited to their unique personality.


3. If they are limited in what they can do for themselves, match the level of organization to their needs. Focus on easy, not on magazine-pretty. The goal is to make it easier for them (and caregivers) to access needed tools and supplies, prevent injuries, and perform daily tasks with minimal strain, risk or messes.


4. Like any part of caregiving, this can be tricky. It might to look through photos of spaces on places like Pinterest before you start, and ask "Do you think you would like this?"or "Would this make it easier for you to do this task?"


And have fun. It can be a job, but it can also be a great way to spend time with your loved one, talk, sing, and share some memories.