Gardening Safety tips for Older Adults and Assisted Living in Phoenix

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Older adults tend to withdraw themselves socially. Remember, isolation can be detrimental for the health. With age, it becomes all the more important to keep oneself engaged for a healthy and stable life. Gardening can be a fun activity which gives seniors the opportunity to spend time with their family, relax for themselves by caring for something other than themselves, etc. The best time to start planning for a garden is spring. Prior to going ahead with valuable gardening safety tips for seniors, read to know more about assisted facilities for older adults.

If you want to ensure well-being of your senior loved one suffering from memory problems or facing mobility issues, it is advisable to consider going for an assisted facility where you can expect for your beloved to be taken care of in the best possible way. If you belong to the Phoenix region in AZ, you can book a suite at the acclaimed Anthem Senior Living. It is an award-winning Anthem assisted living facility in the region consisting of some of the most compassionate and experienced caregivers.

Regardless of you being an experienced gardener or just an amateur, following these tips can prove to be highly beneficial:

Put Sunscreen– A seniors’ skin is more sensitive to light which means gardening in the sun can be harsh on the skin. It is advisable to wear sunscreen with at least 45 SPF prior to heading out into the garden and one should also wear a sun hat or long sleeves to prevent sun damage and spotting.

Use the right tools– A senior person should use the right tools to make the activity safe and more enjoyable. Some tools include a rolling seat, cushioned kneeler, knee pads or special hand tools with adjusted grips to fit specific needs.

Start Early– Lower the chance of heat exhaustion or any other issue by starting early morning when temperatures are comparatively lower.

Stay Hydrated– Seniors should keep a large bottle of water handy and maybe even a light snack to stay hydrated on sunny days to prevent dehydration as they might lose track of time because of being too involved in the activity.

The Right Pace- You should work at the right pace which will be safe for your physical condition. Don’t be hard on yourself.

Carry your Cellphone– Carrying a cellphone is an effective safety measure in case of unexpected falls or accidents so that you can easily call for help.

Safety Proof– Safe-proofing gardening measures include removing any rocks or roots in your path that could lead to falls, looking for slick spots or forgotten tools that can be a cause for trip or slip.

Turn it into a social activity– There cannot be anything better than inviting a friend or family member or neighbor over to garden with you. It can lead to a good bonding and a lifelong relationship eventually.

Injury Precautions– An older adult might develop injury while gardening or may have pre-existing injuries, he or she should be tended to with immediate effect. A cut, bruise, or bite should be taken care of prior to resuming work as gardening with open wounds can easily lead to infection, especially in seniors with weakened immune systems.

There are only benefits that a senior can obtain from gardening- both mental and physical. It is a great way to stay active thus improving overall mobility, dexterity and reducing stress.

At Anthem Senior Living, we have a beautiful suite available that is fully furnished, jack-n-jill bathroom adjacent. Can accommodate a Temperpedic adjustable bed, wall mounted TV, Lift Recliner etc. You’re more than welcome to use our furnishings or bring your own! Your loved one will receive the best form of senior living in Anthem care in Phoenix, AZ.