Spring-Cleaning Tips to Help Get Your Senior’s Yard Spring Ready!

As the weather gets warmer and we head into spring and summer, many people living in the northeastern parts of the United States are likely to be found outside in their backyards soaking in the sun and doing a little bit of spring cleaning and maintenance around their homes.

While your senior loved one might enjoy getting things “spring ready,” as they get older they might need a helping hand, particularly if physical challenges, cognitive decline, or limited mobility are hindering their ability to tackle these larger projects on their own.

If you are their primary caregiver, these additional tasks might fall upon your shoulders, making you feel even more overwhelmed than before. Keep reading to learn how Visiting Angels Milford can help by providing non-medical caregivers to share your caregiving tasks so you can get outside and focus on getting their home ready for spring … and give you time to enjoy the sunshine as well!

Indoor/Outdoor Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Now that the weather is warm, it’s time to tackle those spring cleaning and maintenance tasks! Here’s a handy checklist of essential tasks to help you get started so you can keep your senior’s home and yard clean and in working order:

1. Air Conditioning and HVAC Systems

Inspect and Clean Vents: Check all vents for any blockages or dust accumulation and clean them thoroughly to maintain efficient airflow.
Replace Filters: Change the air filters in the HVAC system to improve indoor air quality, which is crucial for seniors susceptible to respiratory issues.

2. Clutter Reduction

Organize and Store: Tidy up and organize items, focusing on reducing clutter in common areas, hallways, and stairwells to minimize fall hazards.
Safety Check: Ensure that all paths, especially emergency exits, are clear and accessible.

3. Dust and Allergen Control

Detailed Dusting: Remove dust from all surfaces, including baseboards, ceiling fans, and light fixtures. Pay special attention to upholstered furniture and carpets. This is particularly important for seniors with asthma, allergies, or COPD.
Deep Clean Carpets: Consider professional carpet cleaning to remove deep-seated allergens and improve air quality.

4. Gutters and Windows

Gutter Maintenance: Clear all gutters and downspouts of leaves, nests, and debris to prevent water damage and leaks.
Window Cleaning: Wash both inside and outside of windows to enhance natural light and visibility, which is beneficial for seniors' well-being.

5. Safety Devices

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Replace the batteries in all detectors and test them to ensure they are functioning correctly. It's also a good time to review the locations of these devices to confirm optimal coverage.
Fire Extinguishers: Check the expiration date on fire extinguishers and review how to use them, ensuring they are in an accessible location.

6. Exterior Maintenance

Inspect Roof and Sidings: Look for any signs of damage or wear that may have occurred during the winter. Arrange for repairs as needed to maintain structural integrity.
Landscaping and Yard Safety: Trim overgrown bushes and trees to reduce the risk of branches falling. Check the yard for uneven patches or holes that could be tripping hazards.

7. Plumbing and Water Systems

Check Faucets and Pipes for Leaks: Inspect all plumbing for leaks or drips and have them repaired promptly to prevent water damage and wastage.
Water Heater Maintenance: Ensure the water heater is functioning correctly and safely, potentially flushing the system to remove sediment buildup.

8. Power Washing

Decks and Patios: Remove mold, mildew, and built-up grime from decks and patios to prevent slips and falls. Power washing these areas not only improves their appearance but also extends their lifespan by preventing decay.
Driveways and Walkways: Clean driveways, walkways, and concrete surfaces to remove stains, weeds, and debris. This enhances safety by ensuring these paths are clear and non-slippery.
Siding and Exterior Walls: Power wash the home's siding to remove dirt and mildew that can accumulate over the winter months. This not only refreshes the home's appearance but can also uncover any potential issues hidden under dirt, such as cracks or pest infestations.

9. Additional Outdoor Maintenance

Fence Care: Inspect and wash fences with a power washer at a suitable pressure setting to avoid damage. Check for any repairs needed and treat or paint as necessary to protect against weathering.
Outdoor Furniture: Clean outdoor furniture thoroughly to remove pollen, bird droppings, and cobwebs. For non-metal furniture, use a lower-pressure setting to avoid damage.
Garage Doors: Wash garage doors to remove dust and grime buildup, which helps in maintaining their function and appearance.

This comprehensive checklist not only helps in maintaining the household but also in ensuring a safe, clean, and comfortable living environment for seniors. Regular maintenance can prevent accidents and costly repairs later on, making it an essential part of caregiving.

Springtime is also the perfect time to improve safety around the home by:

Adding slip guards in the bathtub and on stairs, installing grab bars wherever needed, and check to ensure that railings are secured to help prevent falls
Inspecting all appliances to ensure that they are in good working condition
Checking bathroom fixtures to make sure they are secure and functional

If possible, have your senior loved one participate in these home and yard maintenance chores to help them stay active and maintain their independence. Organizing a friends and family day is a great way to get help with these tasks while spending time together.

How Visiting Angels Can Help

The in-home caregivers at Visiting Angels Milford provide non-medical services to help seniors live safely and comfortably in their home. Our flexible respite care services give family caregivers the relief they need to take care of other responsibilities and themselves while knowing that their loved one is being well-cared for.

Keeping your senior’s home in good shape doesn’t have to be burdensome. We’re here to help take daily tasks off your mind so you can focus on big projects—and spend valuable time together.

Give us a call at (508) 473-4300 or Contact Us to request more information and learn how Visiting Angels can provide support during the spring or any time of the year when you need care assistance.