Senior Helpers of Idaho Falls Offers Spring Cleaning Safety Tips for Elderly Residents
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — As warmer temperatures return to East Idaho, local seniors are getting back to work — tackling spring cleaning projects, home maintenance, and more outdoor activity. Senior Helpers of Idaho Falls says the seasonal surge in activity makes home safety more critical than ever for elderly residents, and the organization is stepping up to help.
Senior Helpers, which provides in-home care for seniors across the eastern Idaho region, offers services that go beyond daily assistance. The team helps clients declutter living spaces, identify tripping hazards, and safety-proof their homes ahead of the busy spring season.
Common Hazards Seniors Should Address This Spring
According to Aliera McDonough, Client Service Manager at Senior Helpers in Idaho Falls, the energy of the season is real — but so are the risks that come with it.
“People are ready, they want to get back out there. So cleaning can be really important,” McDonough said in remarks reported by KIFI Local News 8. “Making sure that there are no loose items in hallways to trip on, making sure all of your cords are protected. You know, adding extra lighting into your home so you can really see what’s around you.”
The Senior Helpers team identified several specific hazards that frequently appear in seniors’ homes during spring cleaning season. Loose rugs top the list — the team recommends taping them down to prevent falls. Electrical cords running through main walkways are another major concern.
“Cords are really bad, especially in the main walkways,” said Renae, Communications Manager at Senior Helpers. “You want to make sure that you have everything clear. Cords that are super chunky can get tangled really easily and could be a huge health hazard.”
Beyond fall prevention, the team also assists seniors with checking pantry items and refrigerator products for expired dates — a simple but often overlooked safety task that can have real health consequences for older adults.
Downsizing and Decluttering: A Health and Family Benefit
Spring cleaning often reveals just how much has accumulated over the years. McDonough noted that downsizing is not only practical for seniors but also provides peace of mind for their families.
“We’re collectors. We get things that we love, and then maybe we don’t use them as much as we thought we would,” McDonough said. “So downsizing can be really important because it leaves your family with a little bit less to have to deal with, and it leaves you with a little bit less to have to deal with.”
The message from Senior Helpers is clear: spring cleaning does not have to be a solo endeavor, and for many elderly residents, attempting it alone can introduce unnecessary risk.
“It’s something you don’t have to do alone,” Renae said. “That’s what Senior Helpers is for. We can help you secure those rugs. We can make sure that there’s no tripping hazards in your way. Spring cleaning is an awesome time, but it also can be a very risky time if you’re trying to take it on all by yourself.”
McDonough added one personal favorite safety tip that applies throughout the entire cleaning process: staying hydrated. “You can never drink too much water, just drink lots of it, it really does help,” she said.
For Idaho Falls families with elderly relatives living independently, spring is also an ideal time to schedule home safety evaluations. Falls remain one of the leading causes of injury among seniors nationwide, and local organizations like Senior Helpers provide hands-on support to reduce that risk without requiring a move to a care facility — an outcome most seniors and their families prefer.
As Idaho Falls residents continue to embrace the season — from community events like pool re-openings and Arbor Day celebrations to new local destinations like recently opened restaurants — Senior Helpers encourages families to make home safety part of the spring checklist alongside the fun.
What Comes Next
Senior Helpers of Idaho Falls is accepting inquiries from families seeking in-home care and spring safety assistance. Residents can reach Client Service Manager Aliera McDonough directly at amcdonough@seniorhelpers.com or visit the organization’s eastern Idaho webpage at seniorhelpers.com/id/eastern-idaho for more information on available services. For broader Idaho community and safety coverage, readers can follow statewide reporting at Idaho News.