Houseplants brighten up an interior and add some fresh oxygen to the air. Elderly people may enjoy getting to care for living things and watching them grow. If your senior loved one is interested in gardening, he or she doesn’t need a giant outdoor space. These six plants can flourish even in areas without a lot of space or light.
1. Sansevieria
This plant produces long, sword-shaped leaves that stand completely upright. Its compact shape allows it to work well even in tiny rooms. The plant is often called “snake plant” due to the mottled pattern on its leaves, and it comes in many colorful varieties. Sansevieria is famous for being hard to kill. This plant is ideal for seniors who don’t have a lot of time because it can survive with little light and only one or two waterings a month.
Caring for plants can help seniors stave off boredom and enjoy a high quality of life. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional in-home care. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
2. Asparagus Fern
Though not technically a true fern, this plant has delicate, needle-like leaves that grow in compact bunches. Its unique appearance is complemented by the bright red berries it regularly produces. The feathery, fluttering stems of an asparagus fern make it look more attractive when put in a hanging planter.
3. Orchids
Seniors with green thumbs will appreciate the opportunity to care for orchids. These flowers aren’t actually as difficult to grow as many people assume. Since they typically grow with just one or two stalks and a few flowers, they won’t look cramped in small areas.
Whether it’s caring for a plant or another form of gardening, it’s important for your loved one to participate in physical activities. Some seniors need occasional assistance at home, and oftentimes the family members who take care of them need time away to run errands, take a nap, go to work, or take a vacation. Barrie respite care experts from Home Care Assistance are available on an as-needed basis, giving your family peace of mind that your loved one will remain safe and comfortable while you relax or focus on other important responsibilities.
4. Succulents
Succulents are popular because of their geometric shapes and varieties of color. These plants can grow in pots as small as two inches wide, so they don’t require much of a space commitment. There are a variety of types, including the flower-shaped graptopetalum and spiky echeveria.
5. Guiana Chestnut
Commonly called a “money tree” in Asia, this is a great plant for seniors who want indoor trees but don’t have a lot of space. As long as your loved one keeps it in a small container, this tree will stay around a foot tall. These trees typically have thick trunks that may be braided into ornate shapes, and they’re topped with tiny sprays of diamond-shaped leaves.
6. African Violets
African violets are popular houseplants for a reason. These tiny plants don’t take up much space, so they can grow on a bedside table or windowsill. They have heart-shaped leaves and purple, pink, and blue flowers that truly beautify an area. African violets thrive in humid and moist environments, so seniors don’t have to worry about overwatering them.
If your loved one needs assistance with gardening or other daily activities, consider hiring a dedicated caregiver. Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there are professional homecare services Barrie seniors can trust and rely on. Home Care Assistance will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at 647-970-3803 to learn more about our customized care plans.