Why Gardening Is Beneficial For Seniors with Alzheimer’s

1. Why Gardening Is Beneficial For Seniors with Alzheimer’s Gardening is an excellent way to enjoy nature, the outdoors, and be active. It can be a social activity, too. For seniors with Alzheimer’s, gardening can be a great way to be preoccupied and minimize boredom, which could agitate them. Individuals who have dementia and other memory conditions tend to become withdrawn and more paranoid as their condition progresses. However, long-term memories may remain. Gardening therapy can be a trigger for happy memories, and that is why it is offered by some of the best San Antonio assisted living facilities. There are many other benefits to gardening for seniors with Alzheimer’s. With this activity, they can experience success, especially if they are good at it and they enjoy it. They are more likely to build their confidence and feel happier when they succeed in growing plants and flowers. This makes them more energetic and pleasant overall, and can even help them sleep better. Gardening activities in San Antonio assisted living facilities can also encourage a sense of community especially when enjoyed with other seniors and the staff. Gardening may help build a sense of purpose in seniors who have Alzheimer’s. The activity can exercise their body and mind and possibly delay the further onset of the condition. It may maintain a senior’s existing skill set, too. Gardening may seem basic and simple, but San Antonio assisted living facilities include it as part of their residents’ daily schedule when needed. They of course make sure that each senior receives personal help and assistance especially when handling sharp tools. Gardening can be a fun and light-hearted activity for seniors with Alzheimer’s, and caregivers will make sure that each resident is protected during the activity, too. Proper clothing and protective gear will be provided, as well as sunscreen to protect seniors from UV rays from the sun. Spacious, well-ventilated, and well-lit gardening areas in San Antonio assisted living facilities are specially designed for seniors with Alzheimer’s, too. Raised beds are provided for more accessibility and enjoyment, and gardens are ideally shaped in a figure eight to prevent dead ends (which can cause confusion). Plants are carefully chosen to make sure they are non-toxic and safe, and gardening activities are typically done in the morning when the weather is still cool.