Horticultural therapy is utilized in many settings including hospitals, senior centers, rehabilitation centers, nursing home facilities, correction facilities, vocational training centers and schools. No matter what the level of physical ability, almost everyone is able to participate in gardening in some way. Whether young or elderly, visually impaired or in a wheelchair, all can enjoy growing flowers, plants and vegetables. We can adapt in many ways to encourage participation in gardening projects based on life changes. Depending on physical abilities, adaptive garden tools and adjustments can be used.
Life changes caused by aging can present their own unique circumstances.
Reduced physical strength and balance - Use of raised gardening beds, adaptive tools and chairs. Loss of memory - Keeping the garden simple and neat and use of familiar plants. Chronic conditions and diseases - Use of adaptive tools, rest periods and containers for indoors and outdoors. Whether it's in a flower pot or small plot of land, we all have the opportunity to participate in planning a garden, touching the soil and watching the colorful results appear. Your individual health status and any required medical treatments can only be properly addressed by a professional healthcare provider of your choice.