Special considerations with senior populations
Too often boh family members and seniorcare professionals fail to take into consideration some of the special needs of elders in the garden. This can range from access to garden areas, shade and water to the physical condition and emotional state of the elder. This can turn what should be a positive experience into a stressful one.
The following are some of the factors we need to take into consideration when we create and use the garden area. These can also be some of the considerations that gardening activities can impact.
A. Senior depression, exploring the causes
1. need to be needed
2. Need to be active, involved, engaged
3. Medication issues
B. Frail bodies and mobility issues
1. With limited strength is access possible?
2. Limits to coordination, ability to grasp, grip. We have special tools for this
3. Vision, hearing loss, sensory decline, organ decline
4. Fear of infection or injury is a valid concern
C. Special considerations with Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory loss
1. Not all memory difficulties are Alzheimer’s
2. Blood flow to the brain can be increased with gardening activities
3. Increasing oxygen levels is a part of being with plants, passive HT has value
4. Time of day for HT programs can affect success and safety
5. When is a geranium a rose? Some things just don't matter
D. Stroke, osteoporosis and arthritis in the garden
1. A part of a re-hab program, involves both active and passive HT
2. The gardening experience provides incentive to try, a reason to succeed
3. Accommodating the limitations,but not overlooking the potential
E. Effects of medications, dizziness, exposure to sun, etc.
1. Need to provide shade
2. Need to provide access to water
3. Danger in prolonged standing or bending
4. Raised beds, portable gardens, moving the garden indoors
F. Safety, injury and disease prevention
1. Tools, equipment and plants themselves. Some plants are dangerous
2. Overwork, demands and expectations are too great
3. Danger in pesticides and fertilizers
G. Quality of Life issues
1. Hope and expectation are a part of the gardening experience
2. Communication, conversation, sharing wisdom, gaining knowledge
3. Joy, laughter, fun
4. Being valued, having worth,being needed
5. The spiritual aspects of being in the garden, being the gardener, nurturing
6. Socialization & communiction
adapted from Dirty Hands and Active Minds eight hour program