Getting older is a privilege, even if it does mean we have to cultivate our environment to support us a little more. From adding handholds to our front door step to help us up, or cultivating our living space so cooking appliances are more in-reach, everyone adjusts and deserves to feel a comforting amount of autonomy as they do so.
Cultivating a pleasant garden space suitable for our elderly relatives can help them experience the fullest of this virtue, without necessarily having to plan everything themselves. Even if your relatives come to live with you, having a space in which you can nurture and care for them, while also rendering the environment more suitable for their needs, is nothing if not a helpful approach to take.
In this post, we’ll tackle the garden, and how with a few worthwhile and thoughtful investments, your loved one can enjoy the full depth of this beautiful green environment.
Consider Awnings For Comfortable Shelter
Creating a shaded area in your garden is good to provide some relief from the sun, but also to relax when the weather is a little wet too, making it more comfortable for elderly relatives to spend time outdoors no matter the conditions.
Awnings or pergolas provide shelter while still allowing for fresh air and natural light, and that’s the best of both outcomes. You can consider installing retractable awnings to adjust coverage based on the weather too, and some are even motorised so your relative doesn’t need to pull hard on a rope system. They can easily be hosed to clean them over time to keep them fresh, so maintenance is relaxed too.
Refine & Stabilize Your Garden Path
Falls are much more serious in our old age, which is why making sure the path is stable is key. A smooth and stable garden path is essential for height differences around the garden too. Don’t forget to repair any uneven surfaces or loose stones to prevent trips and falls you might not have anticiated. Moreover, replacing traditional gravel paths with smoother materials like concrete or paving stones, and incorporating handrails along the path can offer extra support in a pinch, even if you relative is pretty good at getting around. You can also light along the path for added visibility in the evening, which is always helpful.
Build Raised Beds
Raised planters can give several benefits to elderly gardeners, including easier access for planting, watering, and harvesting – because why should difficulty bending prevent someone from enjoying their love of gardening? This way you reduce strain on joints and muscles, but also allow your elderly relative to enjoy cultivating plants or growing vegetables. You can choose materials like cedar or composite wood for durability and weather resistance depending on need as well. Just make sure you pay attention to proper drainage to prevent waterlogging and root rot – and help keep an eye on their garden for maintenance.
With this advice, you’re sure to cultivate a garden space suitable for elderly relatives.
