Caring for the yard can be difficult enough, but it is harder in the fall. Fallen leaves create extra work and the ground becomes harder as the warm summer days give way to the colder fall ones.
Your elderly loved ones may become frustrated at not being able to maintain their yard the way that they want too. They may find it difficult to bend or find it hard to have the strength to prune back shrubs. There are many options to help keep their yard maintained.
Helping them yourself
Depending on their level of fitness, your loved one may love for you to work alongside them in the yard, undertaking the jobs they can’t. This will give them a sense of usefulness and give them company as they work.
Asking a neighbor or friend to help
Many neighbors and friends are more than happy to help. Before hiring a service, see if anyone you know, or knows your loved one, wants to help. Even if it’s just raking the leaves for them.
Asking for local volunteers
Try posting in local groups to see if you can get one or more volunteers interested in helping the elderly in their community. Not only is volunteering extremely rewarding but it also helps to keep the neighborhood looking good. Something that benefits everyone.
Hiring a yard service company
You could always consider hiring a company to come along and maintain your loved one’s yard for them. While they are unlikely to let your loved one help, they will be able to keep the yard maintained for them.
Hiring Americare Main Line
At Americare Main Line, we undertake yard work for our clients. The main difference between us and a yard service company is that we can work alongside your loved one. This is of great benefit if they still wish to be involved in some of the work. We will even take them to the garden center to help them pick out new plants. This gives them companionship, which as the evening s become dark and colder is often most needed.
Giving your loved one a sense of joy
If you do help your loved one they may not want to put on you, but try to go all out and really make a difference for them. Ask them if they want plants moved, or new ones planted. Drain their sprinkler system and put away their hose. Ask them questions about their plants so that they feel they still have something to give.
Not being able to look after your own yard can be upsetting and can impact your loved one’s well-being, especially at this time of year when they have less interaction with other people. A beautiful yard may not be at the top of your priority list but for your loved one, it can bring them joy and a sense of independence.