“Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help. Gardening is an instrument of grace.” —May Sarton
Research shows that spending time in and around nature can be restorative to our physical and mental health. There are ecological theories, such as the biophilia hypothesis developed by Edward O. Wilson, that suggest we have an innate “tendency to seek connections with nature and other life forms.” The theory goes on to say that because of our innate connection with nature, we are more relaxed in natural environments than artificial ones.
This mindset is what drives the architectural idea of biophilic design, or the concept that increased connectivity to the natural environment offers health, environmental, and economic benefits. Biophilic design is often seen in healthcare settings because of this very idea. Hospitals and hospice care centers that include living green walls, water features, gardens, or large glass windows that allow nature in are meant to help patients heal and regenerate faster.
As part of this concept of treatment through nature, gardens and gardening have become an ideal, natural way to help hospice patients reduce stress and anxiety, increase social engagement, and improve quality of life. Theories centered on “successful aging” suggest that gardening is linked to restorative properties of nature. For older adults, simply being in or near nature can add to a sense of well-being. Therefore, encouraging active involvement in gardening can provide positive benefits for hospice patients, their caregivers, and their families.
Benefits of gardening for seniors and hospice patients
Gardening is an ideal outdoor activity. We get stimulation from all our senses, we build a stronger connection to the nature around us, and we’re rewarded with peaceful surroundings, beautiful flowers, and delicious food. Aside from studies showing the benefits of being in nature, the CDC includes gardening as a recommended weekly exercise due to its ability to strengthen muscles, balance, and our aerobic system. Plus, the exposure to sunlight boosts vitamin D levels to improve mood.
Hospice care is centered on managing symptoms of terminal illness, relieving pain, and improving the quality of life for patients. Gardening and being in nature are great ways to achieve these goals. The daily pastime of gardening can provide an outlet for purposeful activity, “which is associated with increased self-esteem, creativity, and mental stimulation,” making it an important therapeutic tool.
Quality of life
Studies have shown that viewing nature through windows or even pictures can have positive effects on stress recovery, blood pressure, and heart rate. So, actually being in nature can do wonders for quality of life, providing pleasant distractions, relaxation, and restoration.
The previously-linked study asked elderly adults about their perception of their own aging, and then used those perceptions as an indicator of well-being. The study found that “positive self-perceptions of aging were related to the benefits obtained from gardening. Specifically, possessing positive attitudes to aging may either flow from or be the result of the restoration benefits and physical benefits of gardening as one ages.” It goes on to report that maintaining some form of engagement in leisure gardening, “may be crucial” to older adults’ continued well-being.
Mental health
A large part of that continued well-being is related to the mental health benefits of gardening and nature. Exposure to nature through gardening can improve psychological well-being by assisting emotion regulation and stress relief. Gardening helps patients keep their hands and minds stimulated which takes their thoughts away from their illness and hospice care in general. Even if just for a short amount of time, that distraction from anxious thoughts can lower heart rates and stress levels.
Gardening can also benefit the mental health of caregivers and families. Making gardening a group activity that everyone can share opens up the chance for conversations and quality time together. Plants and flowers may remind the patient of their childhood, and those stories can be shared.. Smell is one of the strongest senses to evoke the past, so the scent of a flower, or even the aroma of dirt, can bring memories rushing back.
Social and community health
Gardening is a wonderful communal activity, and that social practice provides benefits as well. Bringing the family and patient together in a garden can be, as mentioned, a great way to learn about the patient’s past.
If your loved one has a history of home gardens, ask them about good years or bad years or what plants they used to grow. If you or the patient are new to gardening, learn some facts about local plants to discuss. This can be especially helpful if your loved one has trouble with movement but simply enjoys being outside. It keeps their minds active and provides you with a chance to learn together and make new memories.
All of this provides positive benefits and fights against the isolation and loneliness that can be an issue for hospice patients.
Addressing challenges when gardening with hospice patients
Gardening can be a great way to feel nature with every one of your senses. However, the reality of many hospice patients is that their mobility is limited. This can obviously present issues when it comes to gardening. The same can be said for patients with breathing or heart issues. You want to be sure to take all of these factors into account before making the trek outside.
Make sure you’re always putting safety first. It can be easy for caregivers and family to overlook a loose stone or uneven sidewalk, which can be dangerous for patients. If you’re creating a garden space at a home care location, make sure the paths are even and smooth so wheelchairs or walkers can easily navigate. Also, be sure the path isn’t too muddy or slippery to avoid the danger of slips and falls.
Along with keeping paths accessible, make sure you keep gardening itself accessible. Most patients won’t be able to kneel, so think about providing raised beds for your loved one. This helps them wheel their chair right up to the edge to get work done. If that’s not an option, try gardening in pots and containers. Small, mobile containers make it easy to shift and adjust to the patient’s needs and can even be done indoors. Garden benches in the shade or vertical gardens on trellises are also a great option for less mobile patients.
When going outside, dress the patient in weather-appropriate clothing. Have them wear gloves if getting into the dirt. Put a hat on to keep them shaded from UV rays. Long sleeves and pants are also important to avoid sunburn, which can cause complications and discomfort. Always have a jacket handy in case the winds shift or the weather becomes too cool. You also will want to keep your loved one hydrated, so always have water on hand.
Depending on your loved one’s illness, you may need to keep an eye on the amount of time they spend outdoors. Nature can be great for all the reasons mentioned, but too much time could create issues. Make sure you are consulting with the hospice care team to ensure you’re not overdoing it.
Enjoy the healing power of nature
Whether your loved one was an outdoor enthusiast or just the occasional nature bather, going outside while in hospice care can be beneficial. The simple act of being outdoors, away from medical machines and care center walls, will improve their mood, lower their stress, and take their mind off all of it for a little while—the same can be said for caregivers and family members. Hospice care is a stressful time, so do yourself and your loved one a favor and enjoy nature and a deep breath of fresh air.
