Community Gardening for Seniors Gives a New Outlook
Elder Care in Loudoun County VA: Community Gardening for Seniors Gives a New Outlook
Non-profits are finding that when it comes to seniors, physical health benefits are just the beginning. The growing trend of community gardens that cater specifically to seniors also provides a more holistic approach to healthy living for one of America’s most vulnerable populations.
Group gardening activities promote vibrant social interaction among Seniors. Changes in outlook take place as participants wonder what will come up next week, or what will they plant next year. Looking ahead to the future is extremely important in fostering a healthy, positive, mental state especially in seniors.
Easy Access
While easing mental health challenges is important, greater access to healthy food is still the main focus of these organizations—and with good reason. In 2013, 9% of households containing seniors and 9% of seniors who lived alone experienced food insecurity, according to Feeding America. And it’s not just a price issue; health problems and a lack of transportation mean that many seniors can’t reach markets and other sources of food, let alone afford to prepare their own fresh meals.
Low stamina and limited mobility are two of the biggest impacts of aging. Continued enjoyment in the garden may be diminished if it is difficult to get around or the routine of work is too vast. However, there are some simple things that can be done to make the garden a continual place of enjoyment for your senior.
- Choose easy to grow plants that are tolerant of difficult conditions.
- Build raised beds that have enough room on all sides to reach the center.
- Place stools or resting places around when creating an easy car senior garden.
- Gardens for senior citizens should be simple and contained, with fencing to provide security.
- Provide pathways that are easy for walkers, canes or wheelchairs to access.
Gardening Tools for Seniors
Conditions, such as arthritis, make holding tools painful or even impossible. There are foam grips you can add to existing tools to soften the handles and add traction. Stretching also becomes an issue but is easy to solve with a myriad of “grabbers” and extension poles. These may be used from a sitting position.
Brightly colored handles are essential gardening tools for seniors that are beginning to experience vision problems. As a caregiver, you can make these easy changes with colorful bike tape or even the multi-hued duct tapes that are now available. One of the most useful items for the senior gardener is a wheeled garden caddy. These act as a perch, a container to hold tools and provide an easy cart for moving heavier objects.
Gardeners with patios or lanais benefit from coiled hoses that you can attach to your kitchen faucet. These tools help prevent injuries that might result from hauling heavy watering cans. As a caregiver you can use all of these tools and others to create a light hearted, enjoyable activity that will keep your senior active and engaged.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring a professional elder care in Loudoun County, VA, please contact the caring staff at LivinRite Home Care. Call Us Today at (703) 369-6677. Serving Northern Virginia, The Valley, and Surrounding Communities
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