The Health Benefits of Gardening Support for Older People

Ask an older person what they would miss most if they had to leave their home, and the garden comes up again and again. It is where they have grown food, raised children and spent quiet mornings for decades. When mowing, pruning and weeding become too hard, the garden starts to decline, and with it a reason to go outside. Gardening support exists to stop that happening.

What the research says

Time spent in a garden does measurable good for older people:

• Movement. Light gardening tasks such as watering, deadheading and harvesting keep joints moving and build grip strength and balance without feeling like exercise.
• Mood. Studies consistently link time among plants with lower stress and fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Sleep and vitamin D. Morning sunlight helps regulate sleep and supports bone health.
• Purpose. Caring for something that depends on you gives structure to the day, which matters especially after retirement or bereavement.
• Connection. A tidy front garden keeps neighbours stopping to chat, and homegrown vegetables are something to share.

When the garden becomes a hazard

An unmaintained garden is also a safety issue. Overgrown paths, mossy pavers, long grass hiding uneven ground and branches over walkways all increase the risk of falls. Blocked gutters and piled leaves add fire and water risks. Keeping the garden safe is part of keeping the home safe.

What gardening support covers

Under Support at Home, gardening is funded as part of home maintenance when it is needed to keep the home safe and accessible. NDIS participants can have garden maintenance funded where their disability prevents them doing it. Typical tasks include:

• Lawn mowing, edging and weed control.
• Pruning hedges and trees that overhang paths or block light.
• Clearing leaves, gutters and debris.
• Keeping paths, steps and the clothesline area clear and non-slip.
• Setting up raised beds, pots or vertical gardens so gardening can continue seated or standing.
• Seasonal planting chosen with the person, not for them.

What funded gardening does not usually cover is landscaping for appearance alone, such as new garden designs or ornamental features.

Keeping the person in the garden

The goal of gardening support is not to take the garden away from the person but to make it manageable. Our workers look for ways to keep them involved:

• Raised beds at waist height for growing herbs and vegetables without bending.
• Lightweight, long-handled tools and a kneeler with handles.
• A sturdy chair in the shade where they can direct the work and enjoy the result.
• Watering, picking and sowing left to the person where they are able.

Even someone with very limited mobility can tend a few pots of herbs by the back door, and the benefit to mood is real.

Arrange gardening support

Avida Care provides gardening and home maintenance support across Australia, funded through Support at Home or the NDIS. Call 0477 399 714 or 0421 986 841, or contact us to talk about keeping your garden safe and enjoyable.