Richmond Seniors with Alzheimer's can Benefit from Gardening
Gardening is a great spring activity for older adults with memory loss or dementia.
Gardening can do wonders for Richmond seniors with Alzheimer’s. Gardening helps the body and mind by reducing stress and enhancing fine motor movements, and it may even calm those living with dementia.
If you are a family caregiver and enjoy spending time outside exercising your green thumb, warmer temperatures allow gardening as a great activity to do with your loved one. Discover some of the tips and benefits of gardening with a senior who has Alzheimer’s:
Physical Benefits of Gardening for VA Seniors:
Gardening for seniors can be an excellent way to enjoy a little physical activity. From a physical standpoint, gardening is comparable to light exercise, as it helps with blood circulation and mobility. Small motor movements, used for weeding or picking from a garden, are great for maintaining digit dexterity, especially in loved ones experiencing arthritis. Depending on what you decide to grow, gardening can also yield a large quantity of nutritious fruits and vegetables.
Consider creating raised garden beds or using vertical planters against a trellis or wall. It’ll be easier on you and your loved one’s backs and knees to not have to stoop or kneel while gardening. Don’t be afraid to modify gardening tools for seniors; use tape or foam to make tool handles more comfortable for your loved one to hold. Also, be sure to take plenty of water breaks in the shade and have everyone wear a hat and sunscreen for protection from the sun’s powerful rays.
Mental Benefits of Gardening for VA Seniors:
Studies have shown that gardening is a great way to relieve stress and lower blood pressure. Just being out in nature can help loved ones recover more quickly from an illness. Gardening is a fantastic social activity, too. Invite grandchildren or neighbors to help pull weeds, prune plants, or enjoy fresh produce from the garden alongside you and your loved one.
Recent research has shown that gardening might be one of the best activities for individuals living with dementia. While gardening cannot repair concentration or undo memory loss, it can boost mood and sociability. It also gives individuals living with Alzheimer's a sense of purpose and, in turn, a feeling of achievement when it’s time to harvest the garden. Those caring for individuals living with dementia can help them recall more pleasant memories through the simple act of gardening.
For more ideas and to learn about other popular family caregiver activities from BrightStar Care visit
https://www.brightstarcare.com/blog/top-senior-activities-for-national-caregivers-month
How can our Richmond care professionals help you and your family? BrightStar Care has serveral resources for family caregivers. Please visit our RESOURCE PAGE to find:
- A home care planning guide that contains a care needs assessment, tips for having a conversation with your loved ones about the care they may need, and questions for interviewing and selecting the right home care agency.
- Education material around specific conditions or care types, like Alzheimer's and dementia, medication management, hospice, and more.
- Care FAQs that contains guidance based on questions families ask us every day
- A glossary of specific medical diagnoses to help you learn basic information about certain conditions
BrightStar Care of Richmond provides a full continuum of private duty home health care services, including companionship, personal care, transportation, medication assistance, skilled nursing and more, to improve the lives of those we care for. Contact us anytime at 804-378-8686.
To Learn More About BrightStar Care of Richmond‘s Home Health Care Team please CLICK HERE