Taking care of your mother can be one of the most rewarding and meaningful ways to give back to the person who helped raise and support you. As our mothers grow older, their needs might change, and they may appreciate assistance with various aspects of daily life. Whether it’s helping around the house, making sure the garden stays beautiful, or ensuring her car is in top condition, every gesture counts. Below, we explore different ways you can take care of your mother, covering practical tasks like landscaping, home cleaning, and car servicing.

1. Helping with Landscaping and Garden Maintenance

One way to show your mother some love is by helping her maintain her outdoor space. For many, a garden is a sanctuary, and keeping it well-kept can boost mood and physical well-being. As we age, however, it can become difficult to manage landscaping tasks. Here are some practical ways to assist:

a. General Garden Upkeep

Offer to mow the lawn, trim the hedges, or rake the leaves. Simple chores like these can be difficult for older people, especially if they involve heavy lifting or bending over for long periods. Helping out with these routine tasks will not only keep the garden looking neat but also ensure your mother isn’t straining herself.

b. Planting Low-Maintenance Plants

If your mum enjoys gardening but finds it harder to tend to a high-maintenance garden, suggest planting more robust, low-maintenance plants. Australian natives like bottlebrush or kangaroo paw are drought-resistant and require minimal upkeep while adding beautiful colour and texture to the garden. You could also assist with mulching to help conserve water and reduce weed growth.

c. Install Raised Garden Beds

If your mother enjoys growing her own vegetables or herbs, consider installing raised garden beds. These are great for reducing the need to bend down and can make gardening more accessible. Raised beds also allow better control of soil conditions, making them ideal for vegetable gardens.

d. Adding a Water Feature

Creating a calming garden atmosphere can do wonders for relaxation. You could offer to install a small water feature or pond, which can enhance the serenity of the space. Remember to consult a plumber or landscaping expert for any complex installations to ensure it’s done safely and correctly.

2. Keeping the House Clean and Tidy

A clean home can contribute significantly to a sense of well-being, but house cleaning can become increasingly challenging as people get older. Here’s how you can help keep your mother’s home spotless without overwhelming her:

a. Offer Regular Cleaning Assistance

Whether it’s vacuuming, dusting, or mopping, regular cleaning can become strenuous with age. Set aside time each week or month to help your mother with these tasks. Consider tackling areas that are often neglected due to difficulty, such as cleaning behind furniture, high shelves, or tight corners.

b. Declutter and Organise

Help your mother go through items she no longer needs. Decluttering can make the home safer by reducing tripping hazards and also give it a fresh, clean look. Offer to organise the space, focusing on areas like the kitchen or bathroom where she might need easier access to everyday items. Simple organising solutions, like installing shelves or drawer organisers, can make a big difference.

c. Consider Hiring Professional Cleaning Services

If you’re unable to help regularly, you may want to hire a professional cleaning service. Many cleaning companies offer flexible packages that cater to seniors, allowing them to enjoy a clean home without the physical effort. Be sure to select a reliable service that uses environmentally friendly products, as these are better for both your mother’s health and the environment.

d. Laundry Assistance

Laundry is another physically demanding chore. Carrying heavy laundry baskets, bending to load and unload machines, and hanging clothes can take a toll. Offer to help your mother with laundry, or if space permits, consider installing a clothes dryer to make drying clothes more convenient, especially during the rainy season.

3. Ensuring Her Car is Regularly Serviced

A well-maintained car is essential for your mother’s safety, especially if she relies on it for her independence. Regular car servicing not only extends the life of the vehicle but also ensures that it runs safely and efficiently. Here’s how you can help:

a. Schedule Regular Services

Most car manufacturers recommend servicing a vehicle every six months or after a certain number of kilometres driven. If your mother’s car isn’t being driven as often, it’s easy to forget these essential check-ups. Take the initiative to schedule regular services with a trusted mechanic to ensure the car is roadworthy.

b. Check Tyres and Fluid Levels

Between services, help your mother with basic car maintenance checks. This includes inspecting tyre tread and pressure, as well as checking the car’s oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, a quick trip to the mechanic can easily sort it out.

c. Update Insurance and Registration

Alongside regular servicing, make sure your mother’s car insurance and registration are up to date. This is especially important for coverage in case of accidents or breakdowns. Double-check to see if she has roadside assistance coverage, which could be useful in case of an emergency while driving.

d. Keep the Car Clean

Help your mother keep her car clean inside and out. Regularly wash the car, vacuum the interior, and wipe down the dashboard and windows. A clean car not only looks better but also creates a safer and more comfortable driving environment. You might also consider helping her add protective floor mats or seat covers to make the vehicle easier to clean in the long run.

4. Emotional and Social Support

Beyond physical tasks, taking care of your mother involves providing emotional and social support. Whether she’s living alone or with a partner, maintaining strong family connections is vital to her mental and emotional well-being.

a. Spend Quality Time Together

Make time to visit your mother regularly, whether it’s to share a meal, watch a movie, or simply chat. Social interaction is critical for combating loneliness, and your presence can brighten her day. If you don’t live nearby, schedule regular phone or video calls to stay connected.

b. Encourage Social Activities

Help your mother maintain her social life by encouraging her to participate in activities like joining a club, attending local events, or catching up with friends. If transportation is an issue, offer to give her a lift or arrange for community transport services.

c. Consider Assisted Services

As your mother ages, it may become necessary to explore additional forms of care, such as home help or even assisted living. Many services cater specifically to seniors, offering help with everything from meal preparation to medical care. It’s important to have open discussions about these options to ensure her needs are met while respecting her independence.

Final Thoughts

Taking care of your mother as she grows older is an opportunity to show your love and appreciation in meaningful ways. By assisting with landscaping, maintaining a clean home, and ensuring her car is safe to drive, you can help her live comfortably and independently. Additionally, providing emotional support is just as important in keeping her happy and healthy. Every little bit of effort you contribute will have a positive impact, showing her that you’re there for her, just as she’s always been there for you.