It’s Time to Think About Gardening Again for Elderly Veterans Relying on Home Care Support
Veterans Care
When anyone, whether they are veteran or not, requires home care support, it can feel as though they have to give up a lot of things they used to enjoy doing. One of those things could be gardening.
Increasing numbers of seniors enjoy gardening, and for good reason. Not only is it a great activity to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather, but it’s also great for good health and a proper diet. After all, growing one’s own fruits and vegetables is one of the most motivating ways to eat healthy.
May is Gifts from the Garden Month and there are several things to consider when it comes to gardening for elderly veterans who may rely on a home care aide for some basic living tasks.
Why someone may be requiring home care support.
If an elderly veteran or other senior has difficulty getting out of bed and getting dressed in the morning, a home care aide can be a valuable asset on a daily basis. If the senior is capable of performing this basic task, he may have difficulty preparing his own meals, keeping track of appointments, or remembering when to take certain prescription medications.
Keep in mind that no home care aides are going to be allowed to administer medications at any time, regardless of the situation, but they can certainly remind their elderly client when it’s time to do so.
How gardening can be a great asset.
For elderly veterans who may be homebound, unable to get out to visit friends or family, there may be a very narrow window of opportunity for them to enjoy certain things during the year. In the northern portion of the United States, the climate can be cold in late fall, winter, and much of spring. Only in mid to late spring and summer is the weather nice enough to get outside consistently.
Going for a walk may not be a feasible option, depending on that senior’s physical capabilities. Gardening may also be a challenge, but with the right home care support, an aide who can assist with some of the physical tasks involved with gardening, it can be a simple and enjoyable routine.
Not only would the senior be able to get outside and enjoy the nice weather, he would also be able to get some exercise that is incredibly beneficial for overall health and well-being. May is a great time to begin planning a garden and it can provide the elderly veteran some motivation to stay positive in the months ahead.
If you or a loved one are considering hiring veterans care, please contact the friendly staff at Veterans Care Coordination. Call today: 1-855-777-4693