The warm weather is quite inviting and a lot of us wish to spend great times in the outdoors. Gardening is a good way to enjoy the sun and stay active as well as an opportunity to have a good time with loved ones.
Apart from making a wonderful place to spend time and enjoy the beautiful outdoors, gardening has many physical and mental benefits to those with Alzheimer`s. Studies claim that activities which engage the senses offer Alzheimer`s patients some positive emotions they are unlikely to experience on a regular basis.
Benefits of Gardening
While people who have Alzheimer`s become more withdrawn and paranoid as the illness progresses, a lot of long-term memories and skills are retained. Here at Forever Young Senior Living, an Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Facility in Tomball Texas, we encourage our patients to use their remaining skills. Gardening therapy is likely to help them recall pleasant long-term memories and let them enjoy a healthier life again. There are also other benefits of gardening.
- Letting loved ones experience success which in turn helps them build confidence.
- Boosting the levels of energy and promoting a good sleep at night.
- Establishing a sense of purpose for Alzheimer`s patients.
- Allowing your loved ones to garden with others.
- Helping to maintain a loved one`s existing skill set.
- Good exercise for the body and mind.
Gardening Therapy Tips for Alzheimer`s Patients
We at Forever Young Senior Living, an excellent Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Facility in Tomball Texas, acknowledge the fact that working with and caring for people with Alzheimer`s is quite challenging. And there are some things that caregivers can do in order to make sure that their activities like gardening give them a meaningful experience. When allowing your seniors to spend time in the garden with you, keep in mind the following tips.
- Do not give your loved one with Alzheimer`s sharp gardening tools.
- Make a garden with a figure-eight shape since dead end gardens can result in confusion.
- Make raised beds to make the garden more enjoyable and accessible.
- Make sure that all plants are non-toxic.
- Keep the activity light-hearted and fun.
- Let your loved one garden early in the morning so he can avoid the hottest time of the day.
- Give him adequate sunscreen and a hat.
- Plan a container garden in order to make the gardening activity more accessible for people with Alzheimer`s.
Do you garden with your loved one with Alzheimer`s? What gardening tips can you give to those with Alzheimer`s? Share these tips with us at Forever Young Senior Living, a reputable Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Facility in Tomball Texas, in the comments below.
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