Simple, science-smart tips for seniors at home

By Lori Marie, Owner and Founder, Su Casa Helps LLC.

Getting through the day shouldn’t feel like a project. These quick, gentle tweaks reduce effort, save steps, and keep you safer—without forcing big changes.

1) Use the “two-minute” rule

If a task takes under two minutes (wipe the sink, sort today’s mail, refill the pill box), do it now. Tiny wins lower mental load and keep chores from piling up.

2) Make habits stick with “stacking”

Attach a new task to one you already do: after breakfast, take meds; after the evening news, set out tomorrow’s outfit. Routines reduce decision fatigue and memory slips.

3) Keep a “go basket” in your favorite chair

Stock it with glasses, TV remote, phone charger, lip balm, tissues, notepad, and meds for the next dose. Fewer trips = more energy for what you enjoy.

4) Light the paths you walk most

Add bright, diffused lighting in hallways, stairs, and bathrooms; use night-lights with motion sensors. Good light reduces fall risk and eye strain.

5) Sit-to-stand practice, once or twice a day

From a sturdy chair, cross your arms and stand up, then sit down slowly (use hands if needed). This keeps legs strong for transfers and makes getting out of chairs, cars, and bed easier.

6) Make the bathroom “no-slip”

Non-skid mat inside and outside the shower, grab bars (not towel bars), and a shower chair if standing is tiring. Keep soap in a pump to avoid slippery bars.

7) Kitchen shortcuts that matter

Store the most-used items between waist and shoulder height. Make a “tea & toast zone” or “breakfast bin” so everything you need is in one place.

8) Clean as you go (the gentle version)

After meals, wipe counters and run the sink sprayer for 30 seconds; set a 10-minute timer after lunch for a quick tidy of the day’s hotspots. Light daily care prevents heavy “catch-up” days.

9) Meds: one box, one routine

Use a weekly pill organizer plus a simple chart on the fridge. Pair doses with daily anchors (breakfast/bedtime) and set a phone or smart-speaker reminder to reduce missed or double doses.

10) Paper that doesn’t pile

Three folders only: To Pay, To Call/Handle, To File. Open mail over the recycle bin; everything else goes straight into one of the three folders.

11) Friendly food planning

Keep 5 easy, no-cook or one-pan meals on a card (e.g., tuna salad & fruit; veggie omelet; rotisserie chicken + bagged salad). Hydrate early in the day to support energy and balance.

12) Connection is care

Regular chats, short walks with a neighbor, a class, or a faith/service group improve mood and cognition. Put two standing check-ins on your calendar each week—consistency beats intensity.

When to call for backup

Some days you simply shouldn’t lift, climb, scrub, or drive—and that’s smart, not stubborn. That’s where we come in.

• Errands: groceries, pharmacy, post office, returns, and appointment drop-offs/pick-ups—brought inside and put where you want.

• Routine Daily Tasks: gentle help with bathing, dressing, grooming, meals, medication reminders, hydration checks, and safe mobility.

• House Cleaning: light or deep cleaning at your pace—kitchen/bath, floors, dusting, linens, trash—using products that are easy on lungs and skin.

  
  

A little help keeps you independent longer and makes each day feel calmer and safer. If you’d like a caring hand for errands, daily routines, or a fresh, clean home, or someone to just help you get started and organized reach out to Su Casa Help: (480) 764-7252 • sucasahelp@gmail.com • sucasahelp.com. We’ll tailor support to you or your loved one—kind, reliable, and on your schedule.