Helping Your Senior Loved One Care for Their Milford Yards This Fall
At Visiting Angels Milford, autumn is, without a doubt, our favorite season. Here in Milford, MA, the colorful fall leaves, cooler temperatures, and locally grown harvest foods at our farmers’ markets make this a magical time of year.
But the cooler months also come with their own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to seniors and yard work. Tasks that many of us just see as par for the course, such as raking leaves and cleaning gutters, are a struggle for many seniors, particularly if they have strength or mobility issues.
“Helping a senior with yard work can really make a difference — whether that’s by helping out yourself or hiring a yard work service,” says Visiting Angels CEO and President Larry Meigs. “As longtime elder care providers, Visiting Angels caregivers know as well as anyone just how valued a helping hand can be at this time of year.”
Whether you plan to help your senior with their fall yard work or if it makes more sense to hire a professional, having a checklist can help you know exactly what needs to be done.
Fall Yard Work Checklist
Here is what the home improvement professionals say you should include in your fall yard work checklist:
- Windows and Doors - Check the seals and add or replace weather stripping as needed.
- Roof and Gutters - Check for missing shingles and have them repaired before winter. Remove leaves and debris from the gutters.
- Garden - Turn off outdoor water supply before we start dipping into freezing temperatures and store hoses in the garage. Drain sprinkler system and outdoor spigots. Rake the leaves. Fertilize cool-season grasses and plant trees, shrubs, roses, bulbs and cool-season annuals. Protect plants with a layer of mulch. Prune trees and plants that benefit from being pruned in the fall. Additionally, be on the lookout for common fall garden pests in the Milford area, such as aphids, slugs, and cutworms, which can damage plants if not addressed before the first frost.
Helping Your Senior Care for Their Yard
Caring for a senior loved one’s yard can take as little as a weekend or be as easy as making a phone call, depending on the route you choose. You might prefer to handle the tasks yourself, turn it into a family event, or even involve your loved one if they’re able.
Here are three strategies our elder care experts recommend for helping seniors with yard work this fall:
- Get Your Loved One Involved
Just because certain tasks, like cleaning gutters, might be too strenuous for your senior loved one, that doesn’t mean they can’t still help. Pruning plants, sweeping the porch, or organizing gardening tools are lighter activities that allow them to stay active and involved. Engaging in yard work, even on a smaller scale, provides gentle exercise that helps maintain muscle strength and bone health while also offering a sense of accomplishment.
- Tackle It Yourself or Make It a Family Event
If your senior loved one isn’t able to physically assist, you or other family members can take on the yard work yourselves. Consider dedicating a weekend to completing larger projects or managing them little by little during weekly visits if you live nearby. Making it a family event can also be a rewarding experience. It’s an opportunity to spend quality time together, and children can help with age-appropriate tasks, such as gathering leaves or watering plants.
- Hire Professional Help
If distance or time constraints prevent you from helping directly, hiring a professional yard service is a simple solution. Many services specialize in seasonal tasks such as leaf removal, gutter cleaning, and winterizing gardens. Be sure to research local companies, compare prices, and read reviews to find a reliable service that fits your budget.
Keep Milford Seniors Safe and Comfortable This Fall
No matter which approach you take, helping your senior loved one with yard work is a meaningful way to ensure they remain safe and comfortable in their home during the cooler months. Falling leaves may be picturesque, but they can quickly become a hazard if left unchecked. Likewise, preparing the garden for winter and ensuring proper insulation around doors and windows can prevent costly damage and make the home more energy-efficient.
Remember, seniors with limited mobility or strength should always avoid strenuous tasks. If they insist on participating, guide them to safe, manageable jobs and ensure they take regular breaks. Also, consider hiring a caregiver or using a senior care service like Visiting Angels Milford for assistance. Give us a call today at (508) 473-4300 or Contact Us online to learn more.
Whether it's seasonal chores or year-round support, our caregivers are here to provide the helping hand your loved one needs to continue enjoying their home and garden as autumn unfolds.