Helping Your Senior Loved One Care for Their Yard in Palmer This Fall

For many people living in Palmer, MA, and the surrounding communities, the spectacular fall foliage, cool temperatures, and delicious locally grown harvest foods at our local farmers’ markets make the fall months a favorite time of year. However, as the leaves begin to fall, raking them and bagging them up can become a hardship for many seniors. Unfortunately, leaving them might look pretty, but they can quickly become a hazard as they can become very slippery when wet.

Whether you plan to help your elderly loved one with their fall yard work this year or if it makes more sense just to hire someone to do it, having a fall yard work checklist can help you plan out exactly what needs to be done. 

Fall Yard Work Checklist

We’ve consulted home improvement experts to compile a fall yard work checklist that can help ensure your senior loved one’s yard is well-prepared for the cooler months:

• Inspect seals around doors and windows, replacing or adding weather stripping where necessary.
• Check the roof for any missing shingles and repair them before winter sets in. Also, clear leaves and debris from gutters.
• Turn off the outdoor water supply before freezing temperatures hit, and store hoses in a garage or shed.
• Drain the sprinkler system and any outdoor spigots to prevent freezing.
• Rake and bag fallen leaves.
• Protect plants by adding a layer of mulch.
• Fertilize cool-season grasses and plant trees, shrubs, bulbs, and cool-season annuals.
• Prune trees and plants that benefit from fall pruning.
• Watch for common fall pests in Palmer, such as aphids, slugs, and cutworms, and address any infestations before the first frost.
• This checklist will help keep the yard in good shape and reduce potential hazards during the fall and winter.

Helping Your Palmer Senior Care for Their Yard

Here are three effective strategies for assisting seniors with yard work this fall:

1. Keep Your Loved One Involved - While strenuous tasks like raking or cleaning gutters may be too much for your senior loved one, there are plenty of lighter activities they can still enjoy. Tasks like pruning plants, sweeping the porch, or organizing gardening tools allow them to stay active and involved. If you live nearby, consider tackling these tasks gradually during each visit. Even small-scale participation provides exercise, helping to maintain strength and mobility, while also offering a sense of accomplishment.
2. Turn It Into a Family Activity - If your loved one is unable to physically assist, consider making yard work a family event. Dedicate a weekend to complete larger projects together. It’s a great way to spend quality time, and even young children can contribute by helping with small, age-appropriate tasks.
3. Consider Hiring Professional Help = If you're unable to assist due to distance, time, or other commitments, hiring a professional lawn care service can be a practical solution. Many lawn care professionals specialize in seasonal services such as leaf removal, gutter cleaning, and garden winterization, ensuring the yard is well-maintained without putting any strain on your loved one.

Keep Palmer Seniors Safe and Comfortable This Fall

Helping your senior care for their yard can go a long way towards ensuring that your loved one remains safe and comfortable in their home this fall. While fallen leaves may look pretty, they can quickly become a slipping and tripping hazard if left unchecked. 

Another way to keep your senior safe and comfortable this fall is to consider hiring a caregiver or using a senior care service like Visiting Angels Palmer for assistance. Give us a call today at (508) 344-9916 or Contact Us online to learn more.