There’s no denying that moving into a care home can significantly improve the quality of your life. Yes, there are numerous practical aspects you need to get a hold of, such as care home fees and emotional adjustment. But once that’s covered, you will understand how care homes bring professional support and reassurance into your life.
The best part? There are numerous ways you can maintain your physical and emotional health while living in a care home. One of which is gardening.
Whether you know how to take care of plants or are new to it, this guide will provide clarity. Let’s explore how you can maintain a garden while living in a care home!
What Makes Gardening the Ultimate Hobby
First off, let’s understand why gardening is the perfect activity for you if you’re living in a care home. There are a ton of physical and emotional benefits you can enjoy, such as:
Improved motor skills. Tasks like potting, planting, and weeding can improve hand-eye coordination, leading to better dexterity.
Increased strength and balance. Gardening involves gentle movements that strengthen muscles and improve balance without exerting pressure.
Good vitamin D intake. Spending time outdoors while gardening can help regulate your vitamin D levels. This is crucial for bone health and immune function.
The Therapeutic Effects of Gardening
In addition to physical benefits, hobbies like gardening give care home residents a sense of purpose. Someone who spent many years maintaining their garden would enjoy continuing their hobby. It will help them feel settled in their new home.
Gardening can also have a therapeutic effect. Gardening, itself, is a soothing activity. The act of touching the soil and smelling the herbs will help you connect with the surroundings. Research suggests that being in garden spaces can lower stress levels and boost brain health.
Even doing simple jobs around the care home garden can be a source of joy and purpose.
Gardening With Ease at a Care Home: Practical Tips
Ready to start this new chapter of your life? Follow these practical tips to make gardening effortless and enjoyable:
Optimise small spaces
Here’s the thing — gardens don’t have to be big. They could be large enough to take up an entire backyard or small enough to fit in a container. The bottom line is that if a full outdoor garden isn’t available in your care home, you can work with small spaces.
For instance, you can utilise windowsills for small potted plants, herbs, or flowers. Many experts recommend vertical gardening, a clever way to maximise space without experiencing strain. It involves using trellis systems, wall-mounted planters, or tiered stands to grow your favourite plants upward. You can also find ready-made vertical planters with pockets and shelves.
Opt for low-maintenance plants
Not every plant is easy to grow, and that’s normal. Opt for low-maintenance indoor and outdoor plants. For instance, succulents, jade plants, spider plants, and Pothos are incredibly easy to grow. Some herbs, like basil, parsley, thyme, and mint, grow easily on windowsills. They can also be used in cooking.
Consider container gardening
Container gardening is an excellent option for seniors who can’t keep up with the needs of a full-blown garden. You can use pots, hanging baskets, or troughs on railings to maximise space. Moreover, with container gardening, you can grow plants in a variety of colours and scents.
Choose the right tools
It’s important to choose the right tools when you’re gardening in a care home. Ergonomic equipment will help reduce strain on joints and muscles. For instance, you should opt for lightweight tools with easy-grip handles to manage limited dexterity.
Moreover, opt for long-handled pruners and hoes to avoid bending over. And always keep a comfortable bench or stool nearby to take frequent breaks. Remember that gardening is supposed to improve the quality of your home, not create more mobility problems.
Seek support from staff
Don’t hesitate to seek assistance with heavier tasks. This is especially necessary if you plan to engage in labour-intensive gardening.
Tips for Safe Gardening
Follow these additional tips for safe gardening at a care home:
- Warm up and stretch
- Take frequent breaks
- Stay hydrated
- Ensure protection against the sun. Wear sunscreen and a hat
- Wear non-slip footwear
- Avoid working on uneven or slippery surfaces
Gardening As a Social Activity
Gardening is more than just a pastime activity. For seniors living in care homes, it can be a way to connect with other residents, fostering community. Follow best gardening practices to stay safe.
Disclaimer: Please be advised that this article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a trained legal or professional care provider. Please seek legal advice if you or a loved one is considering moving into a care home that may require legal expertise.
