How To Make A Garden Safe and Fun For Older People
Many older people are currently living with their grown-up children, meaning that the old notion of the extended family is becoming more popular. This can present a few challenges, though. Younger people may need to adapt their homes to accommodate their elderly relative's needs, and they may even need to make permanent adaptations to the space, such as stair lifts.
However, when it comes to making the garden or outdoor space fun and accessible for older people, it can present a bit more of a conundrum. So, read on to learn about some simple tips that can make your garden safe for older relatives without taking the fun out!
Install a Walkway
To help older people move around the garden with ease, you will want to make sure that the surface of the garden is flat. So, you may need to call in some landscaping pros; check out rightscapes.co.uk for some ideas and quotes! Once the ground is level, you will need to install a smooth walkway. This will allow older people who are in wheelchairs to move around the space with ease, as well as prevent someone who has arthritis from tripping and falling.
Use Raised Beds
Many older people love to garden- it is the slowest form of art, after all! So, rather than prevent your older relatives from engaging in planting shrubs and greenery, it is worth exploring raised beds. These will allow you and your senior family member to plant things with ease and will also add a natural division to the garden. Plus, raised beds just look great in both modern and traditional settings.
Plenty of Seating!
When you are taking the needs of an older person into consideration, especially when it comes to gardening, you will want to think about seating. Yes, you may want to have a lounge chair in the outdoor space on warmer days, but generally, it is wise to have outdoor benches, seats, and even sturdy walls for your elderly relative to sit on. This will prevent falls and will also help them to rest should they get tired.
Low Maintenance Plants
If you are busy and want a great-looking garden, then it is best to invest in some low-maintenance plants. This is also ideal if you live with an older person who takes pride in their outdoor space but may not have the dexterity to prune or cut bushes and shrubs back. Opt for things like lavender, heather, rosemary, and roses.
Trim the Edges Once a Week!
When an older person is walking around your outdoor space, you want to minimize trip hazards. So, you will need to take the time to trim back any overgrown grass or plants. Usually, this can be done once a month, but in summer, you may need to trim the edges once a week. This will help to keep the space clear from obstacles and, by default, will help to prevent your elderly relative from falling and potentially injuring themselves.
