Tips For Caregiver Gardening And Its Health Benefits for Seniors

How Does Your Garden Grow

Gen Zers have a saying for individuals who spend most of their time indoors or who are so occupied with work that they never get to go outside: They advise the chronically online to venture outside, or “touch grass.” Despite the snark, this phrase is actually sound advice for aloof us, as science has proven that touching grass or interacting with soil is a powerful way to boost your happiness and other aspects of your health. 

Caregivers will do well to heed this advice for their personal benefit and consider doing it along with the individuals they care for. One of the best ways to “touch grass” is to get into gardening! While touching grass, be sure to use appropriate tools and plan the activity well to ensure no mishaps.

Creating a Senior-safe Space

When designing a garden tailored for seniors, it’s crucial to prioritize their mobility, comfort, and safety. Here are some essential considerations:

Choose the Right Path: Ensure pathways are wide, level, and clear of obstacles. This practice facilitates easy movement, especially for those using mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs.

Rise Up: Incorporate raised beds into the garden design to provide easier access. This helps seniors with limited mobility by reducing the need to bend or kneel.

Lay it all Out: Opt for a layout that minimizes the need for excessive reaching or stretching. Place frequently used plants and tools within easy reach to lessen strain on joints and muscles.

Take a Seat: Integrate comfortable seating areas throughout the garden for seniors to rest and relax. Strategically place benches or chairs with back support to offer opportunities for breaks and contemplation.

Growing Healthy Habits

Besides providing an enjoyable and therapeutic environment for those in your care, the act of gardening itself can be therapeutic to both them and you as a caretaker. As you get your hands dirty and your client active, consider the health benefits of gardening below. 

Let’s Get Physical

Gardening is a great way to help the senior you are caring for to get physical activity. This coupled with the fact that engagement with soil increases serotonin production makes gardening a great therapeutic physical activity. 

Stress Less

Gardening has been lauded as a way to manage stress. This will particularly be true if a caregiver does it along with their client or loved one. The social engagement coupled with the other benefits is a great stress reliever for seniors.

Mind Games

We thrive when we have something we are working towards. Gardening can provide a senior a sense of purpose and accomplishment and mental stimulation. 

Sunny Side

Gardening will naturally bring you and the senior you are caring for will be gardening in the sun. This exposure to sunlight while doing something engaging will be greatly beneficial for a senior. Sunlight boosts the production of vitamin D and can improve mood.

Hopefully you and your loved one can venture outside and get something growing. Are you currently offering care to a loved one at home? Check out the resources at the support center from adult foster care experts, Mass Care Link.