As our parents age, they may find themselves taking on tasks they never had to worry about before. Whether due to the passing of a spouse or the onset of a chronic illness, many seniors are suddenly responsible for maintaining their home and personal safety in ways that are new and sometimes overwhelming. This guide provides a comprehensive checklist with estimated frequencies to ensure important tasks are not forgotten, making it easier for aging parents to live safely and comfortably in their homes.
(P.S. This list isn’t really just for Baby Boomers – this is relevant for any homeowner)
First, let’s cover the seasonal tasks. Many of these can cost money and increase risk in your home if left undone. Keeping up with these tasks will help protect your home from the elements and ensure everything is functioning properly year-round.
Seasonal Tasks
Spring
- Fertilize the Grass: Apply fertilizer in early spring (once every spring).
- Clean Gutters: Remove leaves and debris (twice a year, spring and fall).
- Ceiling Fan Direction: Switch fan direction to counterclockwise for cooling (once in spring).
- Turn On Sprinkler System: Re-activate your sprinkler system (once in spring).
Summer
- Fertilize the Grass (Second Application): Mid-season fertilization (once in mid-summer).
- Clean AC Unit: Spray down the outside unit to remove dirt and debris (twice a year, spring and summer).
- Check and Refill Water Softener Salt: Maintain soft water (check monthly, refill as needed).
Fall
- Turn Off Outside Water: Shut off exterior water supply (once in late fall).
- Sprinkler System Blowout: Drain sprinklers to avoid winter damage (once in late fall).
- Wrap Pipes: Insulate exposed pipes to protect from freezing (once in late fall).
- Let Faucets Drip: Prevent pipes from freezing by keeping faucets slightly open during extreme cold (as needed during freezing conditions).
- Cover Outside Faucets: Use faucet covers to protect them from the cold (once in late fall).
- Buy Salt for Steps and Sidewalks: Stock up on salt to keep walkways ice-free during winter (once in late fall, monitor usage through winter).
- Check Antifreeze in Vehicles: Refill antifreeze as needed (once in late fall).
- Fertilize the Grass (Final Application): Apply last round of fertilizer to strengthen the lawn for winter (once in late fall).
- Clean Gutters: Remove fallen leaves to prevent clogs and water damage (twice a year, spring and fall).
Winter
- Let Faucets Drip: Keep faucets slightly open to avoid freezing in extreme cold (as needed during freezing conditions).
- Wrap Pipes: Add insulation to exposed pipes to prevent freezing (check at the beginning of winter).
- Cover Outside Faucets: Use faucet covers to protect them from freezing temperatures (check at the beginning of winter).
- Check Antifreeze in Vehicles: Ensure vehicles have adequate antifreeze levels for winter (once in late fall, monitor through winter).
- Buy Salt for Steps and Sidewalks: Keep steps and sidewalks salted to prevent ice formation (monitor and replenish as needed through winter).
Free Resource: A Google Doc version of our maintenance checklist. Copy and customize for your family!
As a courtesy, we’ve put these home maintenance reminders into a google doc that you are welcome to copy, customize and use for your home and family.
Next, let’s move inside the home to the kitchen, a central hub where maintenance can prevent costly repairs and keep your home running smoothly. Regularly attending to these tasks will help maintain a clean, efficient, and safe kitchen environment.
Kitchen Maintenance
- Clean Refrigerator Vents: Vacuum the front and back vents to maintain optimal performance (once every 6 months).
- Replace Refrigerator Water Filter: Keep the water line fresh by changing the filter (every 6 months).
- Clean Dishwasher Filter: Ensure dishes come out clean by regularly cleaning the filter (once a month).
- De-scale Coffee Maker: Prevent mineral build-up by running a de-scaling solution through the coffee maker (every 3 months).
- Clean Washing Machine Drum: Run a cleaning cycle to keep the washer free from mold and residue (once a month).
- Clean Washing Machine Filter: Regularly clear out the filter to maintain washing efficiency (once a month).
- Empty Front Load Washer Drain (Quarterly): Prevent odors and build-up by draining excess water (every 3 months).
- Drain Water Heater: Flush out the tank to prevent sediment build-up (once a year).
- Check Dehumidifiers: Empty and clean regularly to prevent mold and mildew (check weekly, clean as needed).
- Clean Grease Trap and Pan on BBQ: Keep your grill in top condition by regularly cleaning the grease trap (after every use, deep clean once a season).
Safety and Security
- Install Fire Alarm in Kitchen: A vital precaution to catch stoves left on accidentally (check monthly, replace every 10 years).
- Replace Smoke Detectors (Every 10 Years): Ensure all alarms are up-to-date for maximum safety (every 10 years).
- Change Batteries in Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Do this at least once a year or as needed (every 6 months).
- Locate and Label Circuit Breaker: Make sure each circuit is clearly labeled for easy access (once, update as needed).
- GFI Outlets/Resets: Regularly test and reset these outlets to maintain safety (test monthly, reset as needed).
- Locate Main Water Shut-Off Valve: Know where it is and how to turn it off in case of emergencies (once, review as needed).
- Change Batteries in Thermostat: Ensure your thermostat is functioning properly by replacing batteries (once a year).
- Replace Garage Door Opener Batteries: Check and replace batteries to ensure smooth operation (once a year).
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Now, let’s shift focus to outdoor and garden maintenance. Keeping the exterior of your home in good shape is just as important as maintaining the inside. Regular upkeep of outdoor spaces can prevent larger issues and maintain your home’s curb appeal.
Outdoor and Garden Maintenance
- Clean Chimneys: Ensure chimneys are swept to prevent fire hazards (once a year).
- Clean Dryer Vent (Outside): Keep the vent clear to reduce fire risk and maintain dryer efficiency (once a year).
- Spray Down Solar Panels: Keep panels clean for optimal energy absorption (twice a year, spring and fall).
- Oil Garage Door: Lubricate the door’s moving parts to ensure smooth operation (twice a year).
- Edge Driveway: Keep the edges of the driveway neat and prevent overgrowth (once a year).
- Clean Under Lawn Mower Belly: Remove stuck grass and debris to maintain mower performance (after every use).
- Change Lawn Mower Oil: Keep the mower running smoothly with regular oil changes (once a year or after every 50 hours of use).
- Add Salt to Water Softener: Refill salt as needed to maintain soft water (check monthly, refill as needed).
Lastly, let’s address vehicle maintenance. Ensuring your car is in good working order is crucial, especially for those who rely on their vehicles for independence. Regular maintenance helps prevent breakdowns and ensures safe driving.
Vehicle Maintenance
- Check Air Pressure in Car Tires: Maintain proper tire pressure for safety and fuel efficiency (once a month).
- Change Oil in Vehicle: Regular oil changes keep the engine running smoothly and prevent wear (every 6 months or every 5,000-7,500 miles).
- Brake Checks: Ensure brakes are functioning properly to maintain vehicle safety (every 6 months or as needed).
- Change Air Filter in Car: Keep the engine running efficiently by changing the air filter (every 12 months or every 12,000-15,000 miles).
