The Son in Town Blog
Practical help for staying safe and comfortable at home
Plain-language checklists and advice for older homeowners and the families who love them, from your neighbors in Kansas City.
For Homeowners
Staying in the home you love, on your terms.
Who Do You Actually Call When Something Weird Happens in Your House?
A plain-English cheat sheet for Kansas City homeowners: which house problems need a plumber, electrician, HVAC tech or roofer, which you can check yourself, and what to do when you just don't know.
For Homeowners10 Things Kansas City Homeowners Should Check Before the First Freeze
A practical, plain-English list of what to check around a Kansas City house before the first hard freeze, what you can do yourself, and when to call a pro.
For HomeownersAging in Place Checklist: How to Stay in Your Home (and Stop Your Kids from Worrying)
A room-by-room aging in place checklist for Kansas City homeowners who want to stay independent in the home they love, plus a simple plan to keep it that way.
For Homeowners9 Small Home Repairs Seniors Shouldn't Do on a Ladder (and Who to Call Instead)
Smoke alarms, light bulbs, gutters and more: the small home jobs that aren't worth a fall, and how Kansas City homeowners can get them done without being upsold.
For HomeownersSeasonal Home Maintenance Checklist for Seniors: A Kansas City Year-Round Guide
A simple season-by-season home maintenance checklist for older Kansas City homeowners living on their own: fall freeze prep, winter safety, spring storms and summer heat.
For Families
Looking out for Mom or Dad—especially from a distance.
For FamiliesHow to Check on Elderly Parents Who Live Far Away: A Long-Distance Checklist
Live hours away from Mom or Dad? A practical long-distance caregiving checklist for keeping an eye on your parent and their home, without hovering or guilt.
For Families12 Signs Your Aging Parent Needs Help at Home (What to Notice on Your Next Visit)
Visiting Mom or Dad for the holidays? Here are the quiet signs in the house that a parent needs a little help, and a calm, respectful plan for what to do next.
For FamiliesWhat to Do When Your Elderly Parent Won't Accept Help (Without Starting a Fight)
Mom insists she's fine. Dad won't let anyone help. A respectful, practical approach for adult children, starting with the house instead of the hard conversation.