Over 39 million households engaged in gardening in 2020. Some of the leading reasons for gardening are to grow your own food, add curb appeal to your yard, or de-stress. If your dad is one of them or wants to get started, make sure he does it safely.

Stay Alert

While gardening can be a hobby that draws your focus, your dad shouldn’t lose sight of things going on around him. He doesn’t want to be so involved in weeding that he doesn’t notice a neighbor’s dog running over to see him. He doesn’t want to miss storm clouds that are building nearby. He needs to be prepared for unexpected encounters and situations like that and be ready to get inside.

Take Breaks

Your dad shouldn’t garden until he’s exhausted. After 30 minutes or so, he should stop and take a break in the shade. Have some water, eat a snack if he needs to, and cool off if it’s warm outside.

Stay Hydrated

When he’s working in his gardens, your dad has to stay hydrated. He should drink a cup of water each hour. He should keep a refillable bottle nearby. Fill it with ice and water to keep it cold while he’s outside.

Apply Sunscreen Every Two Hours

While the sun may feel great, the sun’s UVA and UVB rays can burn his skin and increase the risk of skin cancer. Applying a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen that is 35 SPF or higher is important. It needs to be reapplied every two hours or sooner if he’s gotten wet or excessively sweaty.

Don’t Get Bitten or Stung

When he’s working in his garden, bites from mosquitoes, ticks, and flies are a risk. Insect repellent helps keep them away. He can also avoid tick bites by wearing long pants and tucking the cuffs into his socks. Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks as they crawl up his body.

Bee stings are another risk. If he’s allergic, he needs to be careful and keep an EpiPen nearby. Bees aren’t going to deliberately sting him unless he threatens them. He can avoid a sting by watching for flowering plants and carefully stepping around any bees that are in the area.

Wear Gloves

Garden gloves protect his hands from scratches or cuts if he encounters a sharp rock or thorns on a blackberry bush. If he encounters stinging nettles or hogweed plants, gloves are going to protect him. Gloves can also help shield him from some bites from things like spiders or ants that are in the soil.

When you’re unavailable to help your dad while he’s gardening, he doesn’t have to be alone. Talk to a home care agency about senior home care services. Have caregivers helping your dad stay hydrated, apply sunscreen, and take breaks when it’s hot. A senior home care specialist can help you make the necessary arrangements.

Sources:
https://www.statista.com/statistics/716538/us-vegetable-gardening-participation/

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior home care in Johns Creek, GA, and the surrounding areas. Call (770) 965-4004 for more information.

We provide elder care in Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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