When Springtime Brings More Than Sunshine: How to Support Aging Loved Ones in the Warmer Months

As the chill of winter fades and the days grow longer, spring and summer arrive with their usual promises: blooming flowers, fresh-cut grass, buzzing bees, and warm sunshine. But for some modern agers, these seasons bring more than beauty. They bring challenges that can go unnoticed by those around them. While nature begins to flourish, many aging individuals quietly struggle to keep up with the demands of home and yard maintenance.

Overgrown lawns, weeds creeping up walkways, untrimmed bushes, sagging gutters, or even signs of rodents in the home can be more than just a nuisance. They can be subtle cries for help. These aren’t just signs of a neglected property; often, they are signs that an older adult is struggling, physically, emotionally, or cognitively.

The Hidden Challenges Behind a Messy Yard

It’s easy to overlook a neighbor’s unkempt yard or chalk it up to a busy schedule. But for many aging adults, it’s not a matter of time, it’s a matter of ability. Aging brings a variety of changes, and for some, the routine tasks of home maintenance become overwhelming.

Here are just a few reasons why:

• Physical limitations: Mowing the lawn, climbing ladders to clean gutters, or even weeding the flower beds can be dangerous or simply impossible due to mobility issues, arthritis, or general frailty.

• Cognitive changes: Early signs of dementia or memory loss may result in forgetting to do routine chores or not recognizing that something needs to be done.

• Depression and loneliness: Isolation, especially in the wake of retirement or the loss of a spouse, can lead to a lack of motivation and energy to care for one’s home or personal needs.

• Side effects of medication: Some prescriptions can cause fatigue, confusion, or dizziness, making even small tasks seem monumental.

When these issues combine, they can snowball, turning a manageable living situation into one that poses health and safety risks.

Signs It’s Time to Step In

Being observant and proactive can make a world of difference. If you notice one or more of the following in a family member’s or neighbor’s home, it might be time to check in:

• Unmowed grass or untrimmed shrubs

• Overflowing gutters or debris collecting around the house

• Trash not being taken out

• Mail piling up

• An increase in pests or signs of rodents

• A noticeable change in the older adult’s appearance or demeanor

These signs may not always indicate a serious issue, but they’re often clues that someone is struggling more than they’re letting on.

How Can You Help?

Knowing when and how to help can feel delicate, especially if the person is proud or fiercely independent. But the good news is, there are many ways to offer support, both big and small.

1. Start with Compassionate Conversation
   If it’s a family member, start by expressing concern in a loving, nonjudgmental way. Ask how they’re doing and if there’s anything they need help with. Sometimes just having the conversation can open the door to meaningful support.
2. Offer Practical Help
   Can you mow the lawn, clean the gutters, or call a handyman? If you live nearby, consider setting up a regular time to help out. Even small gestures like taking the trash bins to the curb or watering plants can be a big relief for someone who’s struggling.
3. Reach Out to Other Family Members
   If you’re not able to help regularly or you’re not the primary caregiver, let other family members know what you’re seeing. Communication is key when it comes to ensuring your loved one’s safety and well-being.
4. Be a Good Neighbor
   Not everyone has family nearby. If you notice a neighbor showing signs of distress or neglect, you can help in other ways. Knock on the door and check in, or leave a note offering assistance. You’d be surprised how much a kind gesture can mean to someone who’s feeling alone.
5. Use Community Resources
   There are many local and national programs designed to support aging adults. Consider contacting:

Adult Protective Services (APS): If you’re concerned about someone’s immediate safety or believe they’re being neglected (even by themselves), you can contact APS. They can perform wellness checks and connect individuals with support services.

Local law enforcement: Most police departments will conduct welfare checks if you’re concerned about someone and can’t reach them.

Senior services: Many communities have senior centers or local agencies on aging that provide meal delivery, transportation, and minor home repair assistance.

6. Call a NextStep Senior Advisor
   Sometimes, you need a more comprehensive approach. That’s where a NextStep Senior Advisor can help. These professionals are trained to assess situations and connect older adults (and their families) with the services they need. From meal programs and home care to housing options and financial planning, they can be a one-stop resource for navigating the complexities of aging.

The Power of Community

It’s easy to assume that someone else will step in or that it’s not our place to get involved but often, it’s the small actions from caring friends, neighbors, or family that can truly change the course of someone’s life. Aging doesn’t have to mean struggling in silence. With a little awareness and a lot of compassion, we can make sure the golden years stay as bright as they should be.

This spring and summer, take a look around. If you notice signs that a modern ager may be falling behind, don’t look away. Reach out, offer help, and remember that you don’t have to do it all on your own. Resources are available, and no one should face the challenges of aging alone.