Having clean and organized apt is vital to my mood and confidence.

[Babyluv49]

75 yr old woman, been living alone with my cat in Dana Point with so far undiagnosed abdominal deep pain for 2 yrs. Just lost house cleaner and looking at possibility of keeping my apartment clean and organized by myself. But I fear that this is something that will only cause stress as I will not keep it up. I started having a cleaning lady about a year ago when I my hip replaced and it has made a huge difference to my feeling of confidence and less stress and self recrimination around my apartment as I see that it is clean and organized. It’s pretty therapeutic for me. I have to start asking around to try to find a new person. That’s the latest issue for me. Thanks for listening. Amelia.

[FifthWheel]

I had the same thing happen to me. I had two knees repaired at different times but started using a housekeeper. After prioritizing my goals, I decided that I do not want to spend money on a housekeeper; therefore, I need to do it myself. Some times it is difficult, but I remind myself that I am much calmer when my house is clean. Some times I choose not to clean, but I remind myself that it is my choice whether to accept the consequences of my actions. I have underlined a few things because I want to emphasize that to clean and feel more focused or to not clean and feel scatterbrained is a choice that I make.

Good luck to you. I hope that your new hip has allowed you more freedom of movement and confidence.

[Babyluv49 in reply to FifthWheel]

Liseth thank you so much for your reply and your practical response suggesting I take it one step at a time which of course is true for everything but especially for those of us to have a hard time getting things done so much appreciate your response.

But I am unsure about when this new woman support group takes place and where it takes place. Is it a particular time and day or is it just some general thing? thank you very much. Amelia

[Babyluv49 in reply to FifthWheel]

thank you fifth wheel for your kind response and for acknowledging how clean house can be to our mental health. And yes, it is our choice whether to clean or not, but my history tells me that I don’t clean consistently and it would be better for me to work with that fact and try to find someone to help me good care of for replying Amelia.

[LisethHIS]

Hi, Babyluv49,

Thank you for contacting CHADD National Resource Center on ADHD. I hope you're able to find someone who can support you in staying organized and keeping things tidy — having that kind of help can make a big difference. In the meantime, try taking it one step at a time. Even tackling just a few small things each week or making a simple list of tasks can help things feel more manageable. Here’s a helpful link with tips on getting (and staying) organized — it might be a good starting point while you wait for extra support. chadd.org/for-adults/organi...

You’re not alone in this — and every small step counts. Let us know if there's anything else we can do to support you.

Liseth

Health Information Specialist

CHADD's National Resource Center on ADHD

CHADD.org