Being a homeowner seems to come with a never-ending to-do list. For many seniors, the fear of not being able to continue maintaining their home is what keeps them from considering aging in place as a viable long-term care option. However, by choosing to outsource many of these services, older adults can take some of the more cumbersome homeowner tasks off their to-do list—and continue staying in their homes for as long as they’d like.
Here are five home services seniors should consider outsourcing:
1. Dog walking
Your four-legged friend needs exercise, but you may not always have the time or energy to take your pet on the lengthy walk they crave. Luckily, finding local dog walkers is simple and relatively inexpensive. Check with your veterinarian for recommendations or visit websites like Rover.com or Care.com to search for pet care specialists in your area.
2. Yard Work
Whether you just need someone to mow the grass every couple weeks or have more extensive landscaping needs, yard work is one of the most commonly outsourced services—especially when local temperatures climb above 100. You can call local landscaping companies to see what types of services they offer or simply hire a teenage neighbor to handle your lawn care needs.
3. Housekeeping
It’s one thing to keep your house tidy—it’s a whole other battle to stay on top of vacuuming, mopping and cleaning bathrooms. Hiring a housekeeper can help you maintain the home you want without feeling like you constantly have to don rubber gloves and scrub something.
4. Laundry Services
Many housekeepers also offer laundry services and will do your laundry and change your linens as part of their weekly or bi-weekly cleaning routine. However, you can also easily send your laundry out to a specialized service—many of which will return your clothes clean and folded, right to your door.
5. Cooking and Grocery Shopping
More and more grocery stores are offering curbside pickup, which requires you to only place an order online and drive to pick it up—no navigating a cart through crowded aisles required.
There are also several services (like Blue Apron and Hello Fresh, to name a few) that deliver fresh ingredients to your door, but still leave the cooking up to you. Or, if you want to avoid the shopping and cooking altogether, look into prepared-meal delivery in your area.
Of course, for almost all of these services, there are companies and organizations that offer outsourced care specifically designed to meet the needs of seniors living at home. Research local home-care companies in your area or consider opting for a continuing care at home plan to protect yourself long term.
One thing’s for sure: You don’t have to do it all yourself. Outsourcing is the perfect option to take those tasks off your to-do list, while still allowing you to enjoy the comfort and independence of living in your own home.
Aging in place is a wonderful way to enjoy the retirement you want in the place you love most. Learn more in our free guide, Aging in Place: A Popular Trend for a New Generation of Seniors.
