Making Gardening Easier for Seniors

By Andy Niska | May 18, 2018 |

Gardening is an excellent hobby for seniors that has many benefits. It is a physical activity, so it gets them moving, offering both aerobic and strengthening exercise. It also produces beautiful flowers that can boost moods or delicious fruits and vegetables that provide nutrients. But, if you’ve ever grown a garden yourself, you know that gardening can be hard work. You might wonder if your aging relative is capable of such a strenuous task. However, there are lots of ways gardening can be made easier for older adults. Below are some tips to do just that.

Caregiver in Spokane WA: Making Gardening Easier for Seniors

Choose Plants That Grow Vertically.

For older adults who have difficulty bending and kneeling, choose plants that can climb trellises as they grow. This eliminates some of the need to get low. Caregivers may have to help with the initial planting, but the older adult can take over the care after that. Produce will be easier to pick, and the senior can also watch for signs of bugs without having to bend down.

Grow Hardy Plants.

Some plants are just easier to grow than others. Selecting plants that grow well in a variety of conditions can take some of the frustration out of gardening. Watching plants flourish is much more satisfying. Caregivers may have to assist the senior to research plants that grow well in their area.

Add a Bench.

Older adults may need to take a break while gardening. Adding a bench or other seating near the garden gives them a place to comfortably rest without having to walk all the way back to the house. Caregivers should place the bench in a shady spot, if possible, so the senior can cool off and avoid sunburn.

Squat, Prune, and Bend Right.

There are proper ways to move while gardening that will protect the senior’s body from injury. For example, when they squat down to weed or pick, their heels should remain in contact with the ground so that they don’t injure ligaments. Or, they should kneel on just one knee. The senior’s doctor may be able to refer them to an occupational therapist who can suggest ways to make gardening safer.

Make a Container Garden.

Preparing the garden bed can be the hardest step. Growing plants in containers eliminates the need to till the ground. It also reduces or eliminates weeding. Plants grown in containers are also higher up, and can even be placed on tables, making them more accessible to seniors with mobility issues. A caregiver can help to place the containers in areas where plants will grow well and still be easy to get to.

If you or an aging loved one are considering caregiver services in Spokane, WA, please contact the friendly staff at Love at Home Senior Care, today. Call (509) 204-4088

Sources

https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/outdoors/gardening/easier-gardening-for-seniors

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/accessible/gardens-for-senior-citizens.htm

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Andy Niska

Owner at Love In Home Senior Care

Andy has over 20+ years experience in the medical community and has a true compassion for seniors. With a degree in Health Care Administration, he developed a background in a variety of health care services that only comes from first hand experience. While working as a manager of a large clinic and as an account executive for medical suppliers. Andy has built valuable relationships with the medical community.

His role in Love In Home Senior Care is to educate people on what care choice is the best fit for the senior and their family while attempting to make this decision as stress-free as possible for everyone involved.

This decision making process should be smooth and stress free for everyone, including all family members and their loved ones. Having access to people with experience (like the team at Love In Home Senior Care) to assist you along the way can help this process. With an extensive background in health care, Andy has the experience needed to guide and direct your loved one to the choice that is the best fit.