Create an Outdoor Oasis for Your Elderly Loved Ones
Many times, people who are older and may have difficulties getting around start to spend the majority of their time indoors. While, unfortunately, some people don’t have a choice whether or not they have to stay in bed all day, other people could get outside, if they just had an easy-to-access, safe place to go.
Most homes, apartments, and condos have at least a little bit of outdoor space, whether that be a yard, balcony, or some shared common areas. Here are a few ideas on how you can create a comfortable place for your older loved one:
1) Pull up a chair. A sturdy, comfortable place to sit is the most important part of your outdoor setup. Whether you choose a bench or a chair, the seat you choose needs to be easy for your loved one to sit down on and get up from. A lightweight plastic deck chair or a folding chair may be perfect for you, but they can be downright dangerous for someone with mobility issues. Having a few outdoor-friendly pillows can help make any seat more comfortable.
2) Shade. While vitamin D, and therefore, sunlight, is important, giving your loved one the ability to escape from the sun and the heat is also a good thing to have. Your shade solution may be a handheld umbrella, a patio umbrella, a shady balcony, or even just a wide-brimmed hat. Make sure that any umbrellas or fabric shade options you choose won’t become dangerous in the strong coastal winds that sometimes sweep through our area.
3) Pretty scenery. No matter where your outdoor sanctuary is, you can make it as beautiful as possible by clearing away things that block natural views and by adding in things like flowers, plants, and garden sculptures. Try adding a few things that remind your loved one about special people or moments in their lives. Consider planting the flowers they had in their wedding bouquet, or have the grandkids paint some rocks or stepping stones. If the grandkids live in the area, you can even have them create chalk artwork on a regular basis so your loved one will have a rotating gallery of cuteness to look at.
4) Invite a few visitors. Wildlife can instantly brighten up any space. Consider adding a birdbath, birdhouse, or bird feeder to the space. Plant flowers that attract butterflies. Just make sure you can take any food items indoors in the evenings so you don’t attract raccoons, rats, or other less-than-desirable critters to your space.
Do you have any other ideas on how to create an outdoor oasis for your elderly loved ones? Share your ideas in the comments below!