Helping Raleigh-Area Seniors with Fall Yard Work

Now that summer is over and fall has arrived, it's time to start thinking about yard work and care for our older loved ones in Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Wake Forest, Fuquay-Varina, and the nearby towns in Wake County, NC. With the leaves changing colors and the weather getting cooler, there are new things that need to be done in the yard. But as people age, these activities may become more challenging, if not downright hazardous. That's why it's so crucial for family to pitch in and help elderly loved ones with yard work.

The Importance of Yard Work Assistance for Seniors in Raleigh, NC and Surrounding Areas

A broad variety of chores fall under the umbrella term "yard work," including raking leaves, cutting grass, pruning plants, and other forms of basic upkeep. Even though these jobs may look easy, they can be very hard for seniors. Due to the fact that our bodies' susceptibility to accidents and strains increases with age, yard work poses a possible risk to elderly people. Not to mention that a lot of elderly people have preexisting health issues that make it hard for them to undertake things like yard work.

Assisting elderly loved ones in Raleigh and the surrounding area with yard care maintains a well-kept yard and reduces the risk of accidents and injuries. Additionally, it enables your loved one to continue to take pleasure in their outside environment without the need of additional stress and physical strain.

Ways to Help Seniors with Yard Work

Fall is a great time for family to pitch in and help out their elderly loved ones in Raleigh and the surrounding area with yard work. Keep these suggestions in mind:

1. Create a Plan - Making a plan is the first thing that needs to be done to help your senior loved one with yard work. Discuss the yard work that needs doing with your loved one when you sit down and have a conversation. Write down all the things you need to do and then put them in order of how challenging they are. You may use this information to gauge the level of support required and identify which activities your loved one can do alone and which ones will need extra assistance.


2. Ask for Help - Don't be shy about asking other family members, friends, or even your loved one's neighbors for a hand around the yard. Getting the whole neighborhood involved can make yard work more fun for everyone. Get the younger members of the family involved; they can help out with the physical labor and enjoy spending quality time with their grandparents at the same time.


3. Hire Professionals - A professional lawn care service may be required if your loved one's yard needs considerable attention. Some examples of such services include tree pruning, grass mowing, and leaf removal. It could be more expensive, but it's often the best and safest way to help elderly loved ones with yard maintenance.


4. Use Appropriate Tools - When you have the proper equipment, doing yard work becomes much easier and safer. For the sake of your loved one's safety, make sure they have access to tools that are not only lightweight but also simple to use and have ergonomic handles.


5. Plan for Breaks - Doing yard work can be hard on the body, especially for older people. Always be mindful of your loved one's needs and schedule breaks accordingly. Always remind them to take breaks and relax if they feel the need. Do not force seniors to do more than what their bodies can handle.


6. Consider Alternatives - Your elderly loved one may not be able to handle the responsibilities of autumn yard work, so it's important to think about other possibilities. One option is to hire a lawn care service on a regular basis. Another is to ask a younger relative or friend for help, or search for community programs in Wake County that provide yard maintenance assistance.

How Visiting Angels of Raleigh Can Help

Visiting Angels of Raleigh can also help seniors as they focus on yard work by ensuring their safety and comfort during the process. For example, we can make sure they wear clothing that's appropriate for the tasks they're working on, enjoy a meal that provides the nutrients they need, stay hydrated as they work on yard maintenance, and make sure they don't trip or fall over damp leaves or yard tools on the ground. We can also keep a list of what they need to work on and remind them in case they forget anything.

Thanks to our personalized approach to senior care, you can schedule caregiver visits whenever they're most convenient for your loved one. So whether your loved one would benefit from a caregiver assisting them as they work on yard upkeep or someone to visit and care for them after they've finished up their tasks for the day, you can have peace of mind knowing they'll receive the support they need when they need it most when you choose Visiting Angels of Raleigh.

It's important to make sure our older loved ones can enjoy Wake County's beautiful fall season. Helping them with yard maintenance is a great way to keep their outside area neat and secure. Many options exist for families looking to assist their elderly loved ones with yard maintenance in the fall, including making a plan, asking for assistance, or hiring experts. Together, we can ensure that everyone has a wonderful fall season.

Call our Raleigh, NC office at 919-787-4317 or fill out our form to learn more about our home care services.