Q. I’m concerned about my husband. He is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s and has always been an avid gardener. He (and I) have reached the point where we can no longer garden as he’s used to doing. The constant bending over to plant flowers causes my back to flare up. My husband’s Alzheimer’s prevents him from staying safe outside in the heat and sun. He forgets to put on sunscreen and stays outside longer than he ought. Do you have any ideas that will keep us both safe yet allow my husband to engage in his all-time favorite hobby?
A. Caring for a spouse with Alzheimer’s disease can be a great reward, but it can also be challenging. The good news is that there are numerous benefits of staying active and engaged for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Gardening is certainly one way to help keep your husband active and engaged. While your back may prevent you from digging in the dirt, you can still help him stay engaged in his favorite hobby.
Look for ways to bring the outside in so that he can garden while you both stay safe from the hot sun. Help him create a window sill herb garden that he can nurture and grow. Purchase more indoor plants and let him take care of those. Create a terrarium together. Let him grow seedlings, even if you don’t put them outside in a larger garden. When he starts to feel antsy about wanting to dig in the outdoor garden, redirect him to the plant life indoors and remind him that it’s time to check on the plants.
Another suggestion is to involve extended family or perhaps your neighbors. If you have family nearby, especially older grandchildren, invite them over to help your husband plant a small vegetable garden. The kids can do the back bending work while you keep an eye on your husband and serve lemonade to the crew.
Consider installing a raised garden bed if you don’t have nearby family or neighbors who can help out. Elevated beds bring the soil to you so that you don’t have to bend over as much. You can purchase one at a hardware store. Choose a size that works for you.
A similar idea to a raised garden bed is to plant vegetables in large pots and place them on your patio. You can do the same with flowers. Choose how many potted planters you prefer and take your husband to a local nursery to select plants. Encourage him to plant them earlier in the morning, before the day’s peak heat. Potted planters require little maintenance, aside from watering regularly.
Another way to keep your husband engaged in gardening is to take him to local nurseries just to walk around. He may enjoy seeing the different varieties of plants. Use the time to reminisce. Ask him about his favorite garden memories or what got him interested. Even if you’re familiar with his answers, he may share something you never knew about his life.
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