The four lists
What each season's visit checks
Each visit has its own list, written for a Rochester house. Your parent can add to it or strike things off.
Winter, December to February
Mostly indoors, with attention to getting in and out.
Test every smoke and carbon monoxide alarm and change the batteries
Check night lights along the route from the bed to the bathroom
Fit traction mats at the entry and check the porch light
Tighten indoor rails and the cellar stair rail
Set ice melt where your parent can reach it without lifting a bag
Check the storm door closer so it does not slam
Spring, March to May
After the freeze and thaw, outdoors first.
Check porch boards, steps and rails for movement
Re-secure the posts the frost has loosened
Check window locks and that windows open without force
Check grab bars for loosened anchors
Look at the walk from the car to the door for heaved pavers
Change batteries in remotes, clocks and flashlights
Summer, June to August
Doors swell, cords creep and the bath gets the most use.
Free any door that sticks, without sanding old paint
Re-anchor and test the bathroom grab bars
Check the shower mat or non-slip strips
Re-route fan and extension cords out of the walking path
Move the things used every day to between hip and shoulder height
Check that every room has a working light
Fall, September to November
Before the first snow and the early dark.
Check outdoor rails on both sides of the steps
Change the porch and step light bulbs, and check the timer
Add weatherstrip where drafts or ice get in at doors
Change the furnace filter
Put hoses away and clear the leaves from the steps
Check the alarm dates and swap any that are ten years old
Your parent's list
The list belongs to your parent
Our lists are a starting point. Before each visit Sabina asks what has been bothering your parent since the last one, and we add it. If something on our list isn't a worry, we skip it.
Add a job by text any time
Strike off what doesn't matter
Ask us to leave a room alone
Want the list for your parent's house?
We tailor it on the first call.