How to Set Up a Bi-Weekly Home Maintenance Plan for Your Aging Parents
Because a little structure goes a long way when you’re supporting parents from a distance.
If you’ve ever visited your aging parents and discovered a burnt-out porch light, a leaky faucet, or bags of recycling piling up, you’re not alone.
For many adult children—especially those who live in another city or are balancing work and family—it’s hard to keep up with everything a home needs.
A simple way to stay ahead of issues is by creating a bi-weekly maintenance plan: a regular rhythm for checking in on your parents' home, catching small problems, and reducing the stress of surprise repairs.
Step 1: Define Your Goals
Before building your checklist, ask yourself:
What are the biggest concerns right now (e.g., fall risks, repairs, general upkeep)?
Are there known issues with the house (like aging appliances or tricky plumbing)?
What jobs can your parents still handle comfortably, and what can’t they?
Step 2: Build a Recurring Checklist
A good bi-weekly plan doesn’t need to cover everything—just what’s essential to keeping the home safe and functioning well. Here’s a simple framework to start:
Inside the Home
Test lights, switches, and smoke detectors
Check for water leaks under sinks and around windows
Clear clutter and check for trip hazards
Confirm the heat/AC is working properly
Take out garbage/recycling if needed
Outside the Home
Look for damage to steps, railings, gutters, or siding
Assess the yard for overgrowth or safety issues
Check that outdoor lighting is working
Walk the perimeter to spot anything unusual
Step 3: Set the Rhythm
If you live nearby, consider assigning these tasks to specific weekends—or rotating between siblings or neighbors. If you live farther away, see if someone local can do a walkthrough every two weeks and send you notes or photos.
Pro tip: Schedule a recurring calendar reminder and share a digital checklist through Google Docs or your family group chat.
Step 4: Keep Track of Findings
Create a simple log of what’s been done and what still needs attention. Even a note like “porch light out again” or “basement damp—monitor next visit” helps reduce mental load over time.
