VISITING ANGELS HORSHAM, PA 215-938-7202
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Gardening Safety Tips for Seniors

Gardening Safety Tips for Seniors

Gardening is a beloved hobby for many people. It’s a great way to spend time outdoors while creating something beautiful for you to tend to throughout the season. However, gardening is a physical activity, and as we grow older, our bodies may not be able to keep up like they once did. Before you get started gardening this spring, take some time to learn about potential gardening hazards and ways to keep yourself safe.

Potential Risks of Gardening

For the most part, gardening is a safe activity, but the physical nature of gardening and spending time outside can pose potential risks for seniors.

  • Heat exhaustion- Pennsylvania spring and summer can see some hot weather, and spending too much time outside can lead to heat exhaustion. Even on days that may not feel warm are sunny, it’s essential to take proper precautions to keep your body cool. It’s also important to remember that your body uses more energy when working outdoors, making it more prone to heat exhaustion. Signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, heavy sweating, nausea, muscle cramps, and cold or pale skin.
  • Falls- Gardening requires a lot of mobility, and sometimes moving up and down or around the yard can cause you to fall. You’re also at a greater risk of falling if you have a water hose running through the yard or you’re working on an uneven surface, such as soil. Falls not only cause physical injuries, but they also put you at risk for heat exhaustion and sun exposure if you’re unable to get up.
  • Sun damage- Spending extended periods outside puts your skin at risk for sun damage. Even on a cloudy day, 15 minutes in the sun can cause burns and discoloration. Beyond sunburns, the sun can also cause skin cancer such a melanoma.

Tips to Stay Safe While Gardening

Gardening can be a safe and fun hobby with the proper precautions. Consider the following the next time you plan to work in your garden.

  • Stay hydrated while outside. To reduce your chances of heat exhaustion, make sure to drink lots of water while you’re out, especially if you’re sweating. You should continue to drink water after you’ve come inside for the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty or dehydrated.
  • Wear protective gear to keep your skin safe. The skin becomes thinner with age and is more prone to cuts and scrapes. Wear gloves while gardening to reduce the chances of injury. You should also wear breathable clothing covering your arms and legs if you’re in direct sunlight to keep from developing sunburn. If you’re unable to protect your skin with clothing, be sure to apply sunscreen to any areas of your body that are exposed.
  • Wear supportive shoes to reduce your chances of falling. Find a pair of supportive shoes to wear while gardening to limit your chances of falling. The shoes should have a back and not slip-on. They should fit well, so your foot doesn’t slide around while you walk.
  • Garden with a friend. Accidents happen, even during a seemingly harmless activity like gardening. One of the best ways to keep yourself safe is to garden with a friend. That way, if you fall or faint from too much sun, you’ll have someone who can call for help.
  • Purchase accessible tools. There are plenty of accessible tools available to help make gardening easier and safer for seniors. You can find tools with no-slip grips to make digging holes and planting flowers easier. There are portable benches so you can sit instead of kneeling while working in the yard. You can also find lightweight hoses and other tools to make transporting your gear more efficient.

How Visiting Angels Can Help

If you or a loved one wants to enjoy gardening this spring safely, the caregivers at Visiting Angels Horsham can help. Our caregivers will help shop for garden supplies and assist clients while they’re outside to ensure they stay safe. We also provide personal care services such as bathing, toileting, and dressing. The Horsham office serves those in Horsham, Hatboro, Willowgrove, Ambler Lower Gwynedd, Spring House, and the surrounding areas. If you’d like to learn more about our services, you can schedule a free consultation online or give us a call at 215.938.7202.

Serving Horsham, Hatboro, Willow Grove, Ambler, Lower Gwynedd, Spring House and the Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels HORSHAM, PA
300 Welsh Rd Bldg 1 #131
Horsham, PA 19044
Phone: 215-938-7202

Serving Horsham, Hatboro, Willow Grove, Ambler, Lower Gwynedd, Spring House and the Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels HORSHAM, PA
300 Welsh Rd Bldg 1 #131
Horsham, PA 19044
Phone: 215-938-7202