Gardening Safety Tips for Your Elderly Mom

Use Sunscreen and Bug Repellant

Before she goes outside, your mom needs to apply sunscreen. If ticks and mosquitoes are prevalent in her area, she needs bug repellant too. Long pants tucked into her socks are important to protect against tick borne diseases. A long-sleeved shirt that’s tucked into her waistband is also recommended.

If she wears lighter colors like white, beige, yellow, pink, or pale blue, it’s going to be easier to spot ticks that are crawling up her legs and torso.

Keep Water on Hand

When she’s outside, your mom should keep a bottle of water close by. Her goal should be about eight ounces for each hour she’s outside. If she’s sweating, more is recommended. By the end of the day, a good goal for fluid intake is two liters.

If she has a chronic condition like kidney disease or congestive heart failure, she needs to talk to her doctor about how much she should be drinking during the day. It may differ from usual recommendations.

Avoid the Hottest Hours of the Day

When it’s hot outside, your mom needs to limit her time. She should aim to be inside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Gardening in the early morning or after dinner is best.

Watch Weather Reports

For much of the U.S., this year’s heat and humidity are not the only major concerns. Smoke from Canadian wildfires is pushing south and affecting the air quality in close to half the states.

Your mom needs to make it a habit to check the air quality index. If it’s over 50, she needs to be cautious. If the AQI is into the 100s or higher, she has to stay inside. If she absolutely cannot stand being stuck inside, she needs to wear an N95 mask to protect her lungs.

Know Her Limits

Most importantly, your mom needs to know her limits. If she has been outside for an hour and is feeling achy and tired, it’s time to stop and relax. She should go inside, have a drink and snack, and put her feet up for a while.

Arrange to Have Elder Care to Help

Have you looked into the benefits elder care offers? Your mom can garden and have an elder care aide helping out. She’ll have someone to remind her to apply more sunscreen, drink some water, or come inside to cool off.

Talk to an expert in elder care to learn more. Your mom shouldn’t have to stay inside when she really wants to be in her gardens. Make a call and get started.

Reference
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/gardening-for-older-people

If you or an aging loved-one is considering elder care in Westchester County, NY, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts at Home – Manhattan, Brooklyn, Westchester, Queens, Rockland today. 212-201-6139