Amid the hustle and bustle of the City of Port Coquitlam lies a hidden outdoor oasis in the privacy of a Tri-Cities long-term care home. Scenery abounds in the Shaughnessy Seniors Community garden courtyard, where new life and colourful blooms signal the arrival of spring. It’s a gardener’s paradise, offering seniors a serene setting to admire nature’s beauty and nurture their green thumb.
The Benefits of Gardening for Seniors’ Health
When it comes to the idyllic garden courtyard at Shaughnessy Seniors Community, there’s much more than meets the eye. Beyond its blissful views, this shared outdoor space serves as grounds for seniors to engage in a nourishing hobby. Continue reading to explore the physical and mental benefits of gardening for seniors’ health.
Mindfulness & Stress Reduction
Caring for plants can help seniors tap into a “flow state,” turning their full attention and focus to the task at hand. It’s a state characterized by being fully engaged in the present moment, where time seems to pass quickly and distractions fade away. Gardening offers seniors a pathway for entering this state, encouraging them to be more mindful as they become fully attuned to the sights, sounds, and sensations of their surroundings. It’s a therapeutic escape from everyday stresses and worries, offering seniors a chance to deepen their connection with nature.
Purpose & Community Contribution
Gardening offers seniors a sense of purpose and pride as they watch plants grow and thrive under their care. Knowing that they’ve played a part in supporting these healthy living organisms instills greater confidence in their abilities, giving them a sense of accomplishment as they watch the fruits of their labour come to life. By contributing their efforts, seniors can feel like a valuable member of their private care community. Gardening can also provide seniors with an outlet for personal expression, giving them the freedom to infuse their own creativity into the process through different plant placements and combinations, the use of decorative accessories, etc.
Exposure to Nature’s Healing Elements
While spending time out in the garden, seniors are soaking up all of the healing benefits that nature has to offer. The sunlight exposure helps to promote healthier levels of Vitamin D, which is essential for bone health, immune health, and mood regulation. Even on overcast days when the sun’s less visible, seniors can still take in the sunlight needed to support Vitamin D production. Just remember, it’s important for seniors to wear broad spectrum UV ray sun protection before heading out, to avoid sun damage and melanoma.
Did you know? Soil is packed with nutrients and good bacteria, so it pays for seniors to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty! If mobility is limited, a nurse or care aide can have the senior stay seated and have them get involved in arranging or tending to potted plants and hanging baskets.
Physical Activity & Increased Mobility
When seniors get out and experience the joys of gardening, they’re often increasing their physical activity along the way. Whether it’s planting, watering, pruning, or other light gardening duties that a senior at a private care home is participating in, they’re benefitting from the movement and mobility that each task requires. At Shaughnessy Seniors Community, everyone is welcome to chip in; we foster an inclusive environment for gardeners of all experience levels and physical abilities to encourage everyone to get involved. Our nurses and care aides will meet seniors where they are at, suggesting tasks that are safely within their reach while offering support with the more daunting tasks that call for bending or heavy lifting.
Opportunities for Social Connection
The garden courtyard at Shaughnessy Seniors Community offers a social setting for seniors to connect with family members, fellow residents, and caregivers. Whether they are marveling at the scenery, or helping to actively maintain it, seniors are bound to build meaningful bonds with others in this quaint communal space. Maintaining the community garden is a collective effort, which makes collaboration and cooperation an essential part of the process. This offers residents a shared goal, creating a sense of community and togetherness that makes everyone feel valued and included.
Summary
Gardening can be an incredibly therapeutic activity for seniors living in a Port Coquitlam private care home. This healthy hobby encourages them to get outside and enjoy the nourishing benefits of Vitamin D from the sunlight, while providing them with a sense of commitment, purpose, and pride. Gardening promotes mindfulness, giving residents an opportunity to live in the present moment and allow everyday stress and anxiety to fade away. When it comes to the community courtyard at Shaughnessy Seniors Community, everyone is welcome and included, giving seniors the opportunity to feel truly valued and socially connected.
Searching for a safe, flexible, and connected private care home for a loved one? Shaughnessy Seniors Community in Port Coquitlam offers ‘round-the-clock accredited nursing care and thoughtful amenities designed to enrich daily living. Each furnished private suite combines the comforts of home with an abundance of natural light to create an inspired living environment. Book a tour to explore all that this Port Coquitlam private care home has to offer.