Plants and flowers can lessen depression for elderly

BY CAROL ABAYA

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

THE SANDWICH GENERATION

Question: "My father, 88, had knee surgery this past winter and has trouble bending down. He is very upset because he loves flowers, and his garden was the envy of the neighborhood. He’s getting depressed, and we’re worried."

Answer: Losing the ability to do what one loves can be emotionally devastating. Raised flower beds, hanging flower pots and planters on a deck’s railings will enable your father to plant his beloved flowers without having to bend down. Even a table with flower pots or long planters can help.

Do whatever is possible to empower him. After my father (at 92) could no longer plant his vegetable garden, he became depressed. At that time, large scale raised planting beds weren’t available and vegetables needed larger planters than are good for flowers. Today, plant equipment companies have raised beds or a carpenter can build one for your father.

Plants, especially flowers, are uplifting, especially during the winter, but really regardless of the time of year. I belong to the area orchid society and just looking at these awesome, colorful flowers during our monthly meetings invigorates my soul.

I have a number of very small orchids on the window sill over my sink. I get immense pleasure from the colors and unusual shapes of the flowers every time I have to wash dishes. Ah!

Question: "My mother, 90, is moving to an assisted living residence and wants to take all her plants. Her room is small, and I can’t discourage her. Help!"

Answer: Window sills can be used for plants. Hooks can be put into the ceiling, so plants hang down. There are even two-dimensional flower pots that can be put on the wall. But don’t use up floor space as she may trip, fall and really hurt herself.

Living plants give an elder something to do (water and take care of) and to look at and enjoy. Help her keep at least some of her plants.

Question: "My mother, 94, is now in a nursing home. The room is colorless, and my mother is depressed. What can we do?"

Answer: I would be depressed in anything colorless. So bring in as much color as possible. Colorful family or other pictures can liven up the walls. Colorful bedspreads and even window adornments can help. And every week or 10 days, send her fresh flowers. If she has a TV and VCR or DVD, get her funny movies or some of her old favorites. Large picture books will also give her something pleasant to look at.

The Sandwich Generation is reader interactive. Contact Carol Abaya through her web site www.sandwichgeneration.com or via e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .