Gardening is more than just a hobby—it’s a powerful way for seniors to stay active, reduce stress, and connect with others. As April marks National Garden Month, it’s the perfect time to explore how gardening can improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of your elderly loved one. Whether they garden independently or with the help of companion care services, this rewarding activity can have a lasting impact on their quality of life.
Three Healthy Ways Your Senior Will Benefit
Gardening has health benefits everyone can reap, but for seniors, the health benefits of gardening can significantly impact their quality of life. While there may be other activities your senior no longer feels they can participate in, gardening may be an ideally suited activity with the help of companion care providers, even if they have some physical limitations.
The three top ways a garden can benefit your loved one are physically, emotionally, and socially.
#1 Social Benefits
While your elderly loved one can garden alone, gardening is also a great activity to do with someone. For those who might struggle with social interactions or talking to others, gardening provides the opportunity to use the hands and focus on the activity while chatting with a neighbor, friend, or someone providing companion care at home.
This can be especially beneficial if your loved one is an introvert or struggles with making connections with others. A little time in the garden with someone can be the building blocks of a great relationship.
If your loved one is a little more social but doesn’t know how to find people who share the same interests as him, if he is a gardener, there are plenty of places like-minded gardeners gather so he can connect and make new friends who have similar interests.
#2 Emotion Benefits
There’s something about digging in the dirt or picking dead blooms off a flower bush that is therapeutic and healing. Both of these physical activities lend to mindfulness, which means the brain finds it easier to turn off its worries and stresses and focus on the task at hand. Those little breaks from negative thoughts can give the mind the rest it needs so that your loved one can deal with his emotions more healthily.
Gardening can also help boost self-esteem for many seniors. No longer having kids to raise or a job to work at makes many seniors wonder about their usefulness in the world and what they can still contribute and achieve. A garden provides the opportunity to receive rewards for himself for his hard work and to offer gifts he cultivated to those he cares about.
#3 Physical Benefits
Gardening keeps your loved one active by requiring constant care in many physical ways, from watering to pruning to weeding. It is also a great way to get outside and soak up some Vitamin D from the sun and fresh air.
Some studies even show that gardening helps improve balance and reduce the risk of falls.
Gardening Help From Companion Care
If gardening is a bit physically strenuous for your loved one, having a companion care provider help with some gardening chores can ensure your loved one reaps the benefits of gardening without hurting himself. Companion care providers can also provide company during gardening activities, increasing the benefits of the social and emotional benefits your loved one will receive from gardening.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care in Dundalk, MD, please contact the caring staff at A+ Personal Home Care. Call (443) 660-8757, After Hours: (443) 796-5241
A+ Personal Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency servingthe Baltimore and DC Metro Area, with offices in Pikesville and Gaithersburg.
At A+ Personal Home Care, our mission has always been to provide exceptional care, compassion, and a nurturing environment for our beloved community members. Over the years, we have strived to create a place where individuals can find solace, engage in meaningful activities, and receive the highest quality of medical attention.
A+ Personal Home Care is always striving to improve and exceed expectations. We welcome feedback and suggestions from our clients and their families, as your input is invaluable in shaping the future of our care programs. We want to ensure that we continue to meet your needs and remain a trusted pillar of support within our community.
I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all the families who have placed their trust in us. Your support and loyalty inspire us to continue providing exceptional care every day. We are committed to fostering an atmosphere of love, respect, and dignity, and we consider it an honor to serve you and your loved ones.
Should you have any questions, concerns, or ideas, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or any member of our dedicated team. We are here to listen, assist, and ensure that your experience at A+ Personal Home Care remains fulfilling and positive.
Thank you once again for choosing A+ Personal Home Care as your partner in care. We look forward to sharing many more moments of joy, growth, and healing with you and your loved ones in the days to come.
