Helping Seniors Stay Safe While Gardening

By James Hughes | June 27, 2024 |

In-home care can help seniors continue gardening safely.

Gardening is a fun and rewarding activity for all ages, including seniors, to enjoy. It is good for their body, mind, and emotional health. However, seniors need to take specific steps to ensure they are safe and healthy while gardening. Loved ones and in-home care providers can help monitor the situation to ensure these steps are taken.

Tips For Safety While Gardening

Tools and Equipment

The first thing that should occur is assessing whether seniors use the right tools and equipment for their abilities. Depending on their condition, it might be necessary to swap out tools they’ve used in the past for lighter, easy-to-use options.

Using tools with long handles and grips that won’t slip is best. This ensures that seniors won’t have to bend over as much. Also, tools with soft handles that are easy to manipulate are easier on the joints.

Layout

The layout of the garden space should also be considered. It should be easy for seniors to get to and have even surfaces. If necessary, loved ones can put up handrails or leave enough room for mobility aids like walkers and wheelchairs. If mobility is an issue, consider installing raised beds or containers for easy use.

The in-home care team can monitor seniors while gardening to ensure they have enough room to move around and to eliminate any possible tripping hazards.

Seating

It’s crucial to place comfortable chairs or benches in the garden in key places. This makes it possible for seniors to take breaks, rest, and enjoy their surroundings. Make sure the chairs are stable and, if possible, have armrests. Place them in shaded places to keep seniors from getting too much sun.

Seniors should also wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that protect their skin from the sun. The in-home care team can encourage them to wear hats with wide brims, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect themselves from the sun’s UV rays. Also, wearing gloves to protect their hands from sharp items, thorns, or other things is key since seniors’ skin tends to thin with age.

Proper Movement

The in-home care team can show seniors how to lift things safely by bending their knees, using their leg muscles, not putting too much pressure on their backs, and reminding them to drink lots of water while planting, especially on hot days. Some seniors might have difficulty asking for help or think they can do more than they should, but gentle reminders that gardening can be harmful if not done correctly can help ensure their safety.

By following these safety tips, seniors can continue to enjoy gardening while lowering their chances of getting hurt. Gardening keeps them physically active, but it also keeps their minds active, improves their general health, and brings them closer to nature. With the support of loved ones and the in-home care team, they can enjoy the fruits of their labor by incorporating what they’ve grown into healthy meals or flowers throughout the house.

Gardening is a hobby that is perfect for seniors as long as they have the tools and resources to help them do it safely.

If you or someone you know needs In-Home Care in Fairhope, AL, please contact the friendly caregivers at  Hughes Home Care. We provide quality and affordable care for your elderly loved ones in our community. Serving Mobile & Baldwin County. Call us today at (251) 517-9901

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James Hughes

Owner at Hughes Home Care

James Hughes is a graduate of The University of Alabama (Health Care Administration), the University Of Alabama, Birmingham (Physical Therapy) and is a Navy veteran.

He has three teenage children and are actively involved in their church and community – James coach’s youth football, basketball and baseball and serves at 3 Circle Church. He is a member of the Fairhope Youth Football Board and the Rock Creek POA Board.

It is his passion and commitment to providing quality and responsive service that has made their company the fastest growing home care agency in South Alabama.

He believes that being an independently owned and operated company gives him the flexibility to manage his business in a way that better serves their clients.

He understands that you have a choice of care providers and he will do his utmost to earn your trust.