Sensitivity and empathy are required in large measure when decluttering with the older generation.

I have recently been involved with several elderly clients and their decluttering needs and it struck me that their requirements must be common to many folk in their later years.

Increasingly, older people wish to stay in their own home and remain as independent as possible. But in order to minimise mobility and safety issues sensible reorganisation and adaptations within their home have to take place.

And, of course, when you have enjoyed a long, productive, independent and healthy lifestyle this type of intrusion and disruption can be very frustrating and difficult to come to terms with.

Encouraging elderly relations to let go of long cherished pieces of furniture and collections of bits and bobs can be very difficult. What seems sensible to caring family members can be very emotionally distressing to the older person.

However, the reality of increasing frailty and lack of mobility will often require the removal of tripping hazards and the addition of walking aids, commodes and many other pieces of equipment which make the daily routine easier to maintain.

The balancing of older people's physical needs with their emotional needs necessitates sensitivity, discussion and creativity. Try to ensure that gentle discussions about what your older relations would like in the future are developed with time in hand. It may be an emotive subject but preparation usually makes facing inevitable events easier for everyone.

Unfortunately, all too often, the changes in need only become obvious at crisis point – a fall, or illness requiring hospitalisation for example. This can be a good time to make changes but consider the following.

Ensure real input and discussion with the person concerned has taken place.

Make suggestions, listen and agree changes.

Offer to tidy, reorganise and clear areas of the home that are essential - kitchen, bedroom and living room.

Make it clear that this need not be permanent - just a trial.

Store all the things you have removed in a suitable room.

At a suitable point go through these items together and decide what can go and what must stay.

Discuss how new layouts are working overall and be prepared for changes.
But above all, listen, empathise and work together to maintain safety alongside independence.

Brigitte Girling, of Style2Live, can be contacted, 01379 897248, or www.style2live.co.uk