Gardening for Health and Wellbeing in Home Care

At Radfield Home Care Watford and Borehamwood, we believe that high-quality care goes beyond the basics. One of the most rewarding and enriching activities we encourage is gardening. This simple yet powerful pastime supports physical health, emotional wellbeing, and social connection for people receiving care at home.

Whether it involves planting herbs on a windowsill, nurturing flowers in the garden, or growing vegetables in containers, gardening can be a meaningful part of daily life for older adults and individuals living with long-term or complex health conditions.

The Health Benefits of Gardening

1. Physical Exercise That Feels Natural

Gardening is a gentle, low-impact activity that can help to:

• Improve mobility and flexibility
• Strengthen muscles and coordination
• Enhance balance and reduce the risk of falls
• Support circulation and joint health
• Lower anxiety and reduce feelings of isolation in people of all ages

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) highlights that gardening burns as many calories as walking or cycling. It is also linked to a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and obesity.

2. Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing

Spending time in the garden has been shown to:

• Reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression
• Boost mood, self-confidence, and self-esteem
• Stimulate cognitive activity and encourage mindfulness

For those living with dementia, gardening can spark memories, provide sensory stimulation, and restore a sense of calm and routine.

According to RHS-led green social prescribing projects, participants reported happiness scores increasing from 5.3 to 7.5, while anxiety levels dropped from 4.8 to 3.4.

3. Social Connection, Purpose and Community

Gardening offers far more than physical and mental health benefits. It also creates opportunities for meaningful social connections and a renewed sense of purpose. Through gardening, individuals can:

• Share special moments with Care Professionals and loved ones
• Build daily routines and find structure
• Enjoy the satisfaction of nurturing plants and watching them flourish

Community gardens are increasingly recognised by local authorities and healthcare providers as valuable wellbeing spaces. These inclusive outdoor environments:

• Provide accessible areas for people of all ages and abilities
• Offer carers and those with health conditions a peaceful place to relax and recharge
• Encourage connection with nature and strengthen community ties

Many hospitals, GP practices, and community centres now include gardening as part of green social prescribing programmes. These initiatives are helping to reduce loneliness, improve mental health, and promote community wellbeing.

At Radfield Home Care Watford and Borehamwood, we support clients who wish to take part in community gardening projects. Our Care Professionals can help with transport, provide companionship, and assist during activities to make the experience enjoyable and accessible.

Gardening for People with Health Conditions

Gardening is highly adaptable and inclusive. Our Care Professionals tailor gardening activities to each client’s abilities and needs, including:

• Raised beds and lightweight tools for those with limited mobility
• Indoor pots or balcony gardens for individuals without outdoor space
• Short, supported sessions for those experiencing fatigue or other health limitations

The RHS highlights that gardening benefits people recovering from strokes, managing chronic conditions, living with dementia, or experiencing low mental health. These are all situations where we provide support.

How We Support Gardening in Home Care

At Radfield Home Care Watford and Borehamwood, we are proud to offer personalised home care that supports both body and mind. Our trained Care Professionals:

• Integrate gardening into individualised care plans
• Encourage safe participation with gentle supervision
• Set up adapted gardening tools and layouts, including raised planters or seated stations
• Follow RHS safety guidelines to ensure hygiene, accessibility, and wellbeing 

Our goal is to help turn gardening into a moment of peace, purpose, and joy, whether in the comfort of home or as part of the local community.

Gardening and Wellbeing Activities with Radfield

Gardening is far more than a hobby. It is a therapeutic activity with proven benefits for physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Backed by RHS research, we are committed to supporting our clients with meaningful activities that enhance quality of life.

If you or a loved one would like to explore how gardening and other wellbeing activities can be part of your personalised home care, we are here to help.

Contact Radfield Home Care Watford and Borehamwood today to find out more about our home care services and how we can support you. Visit https://www.radfieldhomecare.co.uk/120/about-us or call us on 01923 624 674.