Five Outdoor Spring Cleaning Tasks to Tackle Today

Many families help their aging parents with indoor cleaning tasks. Have you considered what needs to get done outside? Here are five of the outdoor spring cleaning tasks that families often overlook.

Senior Care Franklin TN – Five Outdoor Spring Cleaning Tasks to Tackle Today

Sweep Out the Garage

Sweep out the floor of the garage to remove all the salt and sand that accumulates during the winter. After that’s done, you could leave the car outside and put down a coating of waterproofer to protect the garage floor. Look for cracks in the cement and garage foundation. Seal any that have started to form. That will help keep out ants and other insects.

Rake Up Winter Debris

The front yard closest to the road and driveway is likely to have some debris. Sand spread by the plow and clumps of dirt get pushed onto lawns. Rake that up to allow grass to grow through. If you have your driveway plowed, you should also rake along both sides of the driveway.

Check Decking, Sidewalks, Driveways, and Patios

Go over outdoor areas like patios, decks, sidewalks, and driveway. If your mom or dad walk in these areas to get the mail or spend time outside, you need to check for trip hazards. A rotting board on a deck can be dangerous. Replace any that are starting to rot. Look for loose patio stones or pavers and level them.

Check the driveway and sidewalk for cracks that have caused raised areas that could catch a toe and lead to a fall. They’ll need to be filled and leveled out.

Remove Moss and Algae From Decks and Patios

Moss and algae often grow on shady areas of a deck or patio. It can lead to rot on lumber. Both are slippery after rain or a heavy dew. You don’t want your parent slipping on them. Scrubbing them off and using an algaecide or even bleach to kill them and keep them from returning is essential. Make sure you rinse the stones or lumber thoroughly when you’re done.

Look Over the Lawn

Before the first lawn mowing job of the season, walk over the yard and look it over. Pick up any stones, branches, or trash that’s landed in the yard during the winter. You do not want to be mowing and hit something big and send it flying towards the house or person standing outside.

That takes care of the common obstacles outside. You also should consider your parents’ safety while living alone. Are they lonely? Do they drive and get to stores with ease? Are they struggling with household chores like laundry and vacuuming?

If you feel that your parents are having a hard time with basic activities of daily living, it’s time to call a senior care agency. Let caregivers help out. Learn more about pricing and services by talking to a senior care professional.