My parents will be in Texas for 2 months while my dad participates in a clinical trial for his cancer. Since they will be out of state, what things will they need to think about/hire/take care of while they're away?
Lawn care, forwarding mail, setting up automatic bill pay for them. What else am I not thinking of? Thanks!
nectarine / 2436 posts
Water!!!!! Check the water main, ice maker, hot water heater etc. Such a common source of super expensive leaks (don't ask me how I know.)
pear / 1718 posts
If they need lawn care, I assume they don't live somewhere where it's essential to keep the furnace running 
That's the first thing that pops into my mind!
What about security measures for their home? A few lamps on a timer or anything like that needed? A neighbor to remove any door hangings, keep a general eye on the place? Install a Ring doorbell for surveillance? Is outdoor lighting sufficient? Just thinking aloud, as vacant homes are targets.
Any indoor plants to care for?
Will want to do a deep clean of their fridge. Potentially set up an alarm to alert someone if their power goes off, if they are going to keep their fridge and freezer going.
Best of luck to your mom and dad 
persimmon / 1479 posts
@pachamama: thank you! I would never think of something like that until it was too late! It sounds like you have experience with that. 
Sounds stressful!
@sweetcaroline: they are in Iowa, so it will be furnace season soon! Good idea on surveillance. I think they have a few neighbors who could keep and eye on the place, but other monitoring systems are a great thing to look into. Also the alarm for power is something I would never think of. Thank you!
persimmon / 1495 posts
I don't have specific suggestions for your parents, but I wanted to share that my dad went to MD Anderson a few years ago for a clinical trial for chronic leukemia, and he had a great experience (as great as cancer treatment can be, but you know what I mean). We went down to visit and stayed in the same long term hotel attached to the hospital. It's really comfortable and the grounds have some nice places to walk around. He did even better than they hoped and is still in remission. I hope your dad has a similar experience!
pomelo / 5573 posts
Would you consider a house sitter? Whenever my parents go on long trips they have somebody stay at their house for peace of mind. There are websites, somebody would probably do it for free since they get a free place to stay.
persimmon / 1130 posts
Does the lawn care include snow removal? I’d set that up too, just in case.
persimmon / 1479 posts
@Chuckles: that's where he's doing it at! So glad to hear your dad had a positive experience
@erinbaderin and @popoppygirl15: good idea on house sitter, that did not occur to me. I wonder if one of my cousins may even be interested in that.
@lemonjack: yes, we should set up both just for peace of mind. Iowa weather is unpredictable!
nectarine / 2243 posts
Id get them set up for simplisafe. It’s easy to install (like, really easy). You can add water and temp/freeze sensors wherever you want, cameras inside/outside, glass break. You don’t even have to pay for the monitoring service; you’ll get alerts if, day, a water sensor goes off. It’s a really simple way to keep an eye on the house without someone being there. I particularly like the water sensors; I have them under my sinks, laundry room, water heater pan, etc etc. id also turn off the water to places where it isn’t needed and winterize anything else ahead of time (hoses etc)
Id find a trusted neighbor to do a walk through every few days.
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