Caring for Aging Parents This Winter? Don’t Forget About Snow Removal

Every year, 10,000 Canadians are injured while shovelling snow, with injuries including back strains, heart attacks, and slips. In 2017–2018, 5.8% of older Canadians (age 65 and over) experienced a fall-related injury, with walking on snow or ice being a significant cause, making snow removal itself a high-risk activity for seniors.

For adult children caring for aging parents, winter brings a mix of concern and responsibility. A simple task like clearing the driveway can quickly turn dangerous, and even a short walk to the mailbox can lead to serious injury.

That’s why reliable snow removal isn’t just a convenience; it’s a form of care. Whether your parents still live independently or you check in regularly, ensuring their walkways and driveways are clear can prevent accidents and give everyone peace of mind all winter long.

Signs It’s Time to Hire Help

Sometimes parents won’t admit they need assistance. They’ve handled winters for decades and may not realize when it’s becoming unsafe. Watch for these signs that snow removal has become too much:

• Driveways or steps stay snowy longer than usual: A clear signal that the task is getting harder to manage.
• Icy build-up on stairs or entryways: One missed day of shovelling can quickly turn into a slippery hazard.
• Increased fatigue or soreness: Even small aches after shovelling can point to overexertion.
• Skipped errands or cancelled appointments: If they’re avoiding going out after a snowfall, it might not just be the cold.
• Frequent talk about the weather: If they’re dreading every storm in the forecast, it’s time to take that chore off their plate.

What to Look for in a Snow Removal Service

Not all snow removal companies operate the same way. Some show up inconsistently, some use harmful ice melt products, and others disappear mid-season when the workload piles up. When you’re hiring for aging parents, reliability and safety are non-negotiable.

Here’s what to look for:

• Guaranteed response time: A company should promise snow removal within 24 hours of every snowfall. That kind of consistency means your parents won’t wake up to an icy walkway.
• Trained, professional crews: Look for teams who use commercial-grade equipment and proper safety gear. You don’t want your parents dealing with seasonal, untrained labour.
• Turf- and pet-safe deicers: Harsh salt products can damage lawns, concrete, and pets’ paws. Eco-friendly alternatives protect both the property and the environment.
• Flat-rate or monthly pricing: Predictable costs make budgeting easier for seniors on fixed incomes. Avoid “per visit” fees that can fluctuate with every storm.
• Proof of insurance and WCB coverage: Never hire anyone who can’t provide it, otherwise, liability for injuries or damage may fall on you or your parents.
• Communication and transparency. Reputable companies provide updates or photos after each visit, so you can rest easy that the job’s done.

How to Set It Up So They Don’t Have To

The goal is to be prepared for the inevitable well before time and remove their winter stress. Setting up snow removal correctly means your parents won’t need to lift a shovel, make a call, or worry when a storm hits.

• Book early. By fall, most professional snow removal providers are already filling their schedules. Booking ahead guarantees a spot before the first storm.
• Choose automatic service. Select a company that dispatches crews automatically after snowfall, not one that needs running after.
• Automate communication. Request progress updates by email or text to your phone, so you can monitor service even from another city.
• Simplify billing. Set up automatic monthly payments, so there’s no confusion over invoices or due dates.
• Clarify boundaries and timing. A good company will know exactly which areas to clear (steps, driveways, walkways, garage pads) and when to arrive.
• Prioritize local expertise. Crews familiar with your parents’ city understand local bylaws and snowfall patterns, which helps them anticipate needs rather than react to emergencies.

Why Families Trust Green Drop for Winter Safety

When you hire Green Drop, you’re hiring a team that treats your parents’ home with the same care they would their own.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Cleared within 24 hours of every snowfall. Guaranteed compliance with local bylaws and safer pathways for your loved ones.
• Unlimited visits, no extra charges. If it snows again, we return without invitation (or begging).
• Trained, licensed crews. Our teams use professional-grade equipment and adhere to strict safety protocols for snow, ice, and property care.
• Eco-friendly ice melt. We use pet- and turf-safe products that protect concrete and landscaping throughout the season.
• Automated updates. Each completed visit triggers an email with confirmation and service photos, so you know exactly when the job’s done.
• Flat monthly pricing. We offer predictable costs with no surprise fees. This will allow you to manage your budgets easily and know you’re covered from afar.
• Trusted across Western Canada. With dedicated service teams in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Regina, and Saskatoon, Green Drop is always close by when your family needs it.

Keep It Simple and Keep Your Parents Safe

Caring for aging parents means looking out for the little things, ones that make a big difference. Snow removal might not sound like much, but for seniors, it’s one of winter’s biggest safety challenges.

Green Drop makes it simple. Our WCB-insured snow removal service crews clear driveways, steps, and sidewalks within 24 hours of every snowfall, using turf-safe ice melt and professional-grade equipment. With automatic scheduling and transparent communication, your parents won’t have to do a thing.

Book early to guarantee coverage before the first snowfall, and give your loved ones the safest, easiest winter yet.