Gardening offers health benefits for people of all ages. But for older adults who live with Alzheimer’s disease, the benefits are even greater. Gardening can reduce the anxiety and agitation that often leads people with Alzheimer’s to wander. Planting and working in a garden can also boost the self-esteem of someone living with this debilitating disease. It does so by giving them a productive activity they can feel successful at.
Before you and your senior loved one head outdoors, however, there are a few safety issues to consider.
6 Garden Safety Tips for Seniors with Dementia
Here are a few tips to remember as you are planning garden activities that include a senior with Alzheimer’s disease:
- Non-toxic plants: A person with Alzheimer’s may put flowers and plants in their mouth and try to eat them. Because of that, it is important to use only non-toxic plants in your garden.
- Remember the birds: Be sure your gardens include bird feeders and bird baths. Bird watching helps calm agitation and anxiety in people with Alzheimer’s disease. It is why you often see bird aviaries in assisted living and dementia care communities.
- Raised beds: Another simple way to increase a senior’s safety in the garden is by making use of raised beds. They allow older adults to garden without needing to get up and down from the ground helping to decrease their risk for a fall.
- Circular garden design: If possible, design your garden space in a circular format. It eliminates dead-ends that can be confusing for someone with Alzheimer’s disease.
- Resting spots: Make it easy for your older family member to take frequent rest breaks while working outdoors by placing garden benches and seats throughout the garden.
Finally, remember to exercise general summer safety precautions when the two of you are working outdoors. Make sure to apply and re-apply sunscreen as recommended on the label. Try to avoid working outside during the middle of the day when the sun’s rays are hottest. Keep a bottle of cool water on hand and remind your loved one with Alzheimer’s to drink often. Also remember that both of you should wear a hat to shield your face from the sun.
Anna FosterExecutive Director, Bridle Brook Assisted Living
Anna Foster is a native of Illinois and worked as a Nurse’s Assistant until graduating from The Chicago Public School Of Nursing in 1989. For the past 25 years she has striven for, and attained excellence, in every aspect of the Senior Care field. Her innovation and passion for Memory Care has improved the lives of Seniors across the county. We are very proud to have Anna as Executive Director of Bridle Brook. Her hands-on, cheerful and practical approach is guaranteed to brighten the day of every resident and visitor to this beautiful community.
