Everyone with their own garden has specific wishes regarding its design. Some would prefer to turn it into a jungle, while others prefer a ‘stone garden’ with potted plants. Working in the garden can be a very varied, creative and enjoyable activity for the elderly. And the children like to play there. However, it is important to pay close attention to safety. More than fifteen percent of all accidents in and around the home happen in the garden, on the balcony or on the sidewalk in front of the house. The causes range from unevenly laid tiles to poorly anchored swings. The garden lighting also deserves full attention in that respect.
Contents
- The garden – development space for young and old
- Play safely – even on the balcony
- Garden paths and garden tools
- Ponds and barbecues
- Plants and sandbox
- Balcony and outdoor lighting
The garden – development space for young and old
The garden should be a development space for young and old . Everyone has their own wishes regarding its design. The garden as a space to live and work. Anyone who spends a lot of time at the computer can create their own corner in the summer. A garden can also be very suitable for meditating, doing yoga or tai chi. Most children would like a swing on the lawn and a playhouse. Young families with toddlers should pay attention to the choice of garden plants and it is better to wait a while before installing a pond, if such a need already exists.
Source: Beverlynation, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-3.0)
Easy to maintain
A garden requires maintenance. Depending on the layout, maintenance takes more or less time. But no matter how simply designed a garden is, it will still have to be swept or raked every now and then. Most elderly people find it important to make the garden as maintenance-friendly as possible and not to become a slave to the garden. And the (grand)children must be able to go about their business there.
Play safely – even on the balcony
The age of the family members is important to take into account when designing a garden. Anyone with small children should realize that some plants and trees are poisonous. Keep that in mind when designing a green garden. However, a gravel garden is the other extreme. Involve the little ones in gardening. For example, give them their own corner where they can grow strawberries, cherry tomatoes and radishes. The big kids need to be able to play around, preferably on the lawn. For example, if you have the space, you can install a swing and a playhouse.
Green balcony oasis
The word ‘balcony’ alone sounds intuitively dangerous when used with small children. Yet there are all kinds of methods available on the internet to turn the balcony into a green oasis where children can play safely and enjoy the fresh air. The list below does not claim to be complete. Creating a safe living environment is often a matter of noticing bottlenecks for those with mobility problems and moving into the world of the little ones.
Garden paths and garden tools
For the elderly, the danger of tripping is always lurking. If necessary, ask for advice on how to make the garden maintenance-friendly and safe.
- Make the garden path as wide as possible, preferably wider than one meter.
- Choose large tiles for laying the paths. No clinkers or cobblestones.
- Loose, wobbly and unevenly positioned paving stones cause falls, especially for seniors who have difficulty walking.
- Ensure good garden lighting. Create a light point at the back door.
- Choose a sloping path without steps.
- High flower borders are easy to maintain; there is less need to stoop deeply.
- Do not leave rakes, spades, hoes and other garden tools in the garden, but store them away after use.
- Do not let children near garden tools, especially electrical items such as hedge trimmers or chainsaws.
- Keep children away when the lawn is being mowed.
Source: Orchids Love Rainwater, Flickr (CC BY-2.0)
Ponds and barbecues
The pond is a danger zone for young children. The barbecue also causes many burns every summer due to carelessness.
- Do not build a pond while the children are small.
- If necessary, place a fence around the pond. Or place a grid on it if it is a small pond tank. A shallow pond also poses a drowning hazard for young children.
- Be careful when barbecuing. It becomes especially dangerous when there are toddlers and preschoolers walking around. The combination of children, fire and hot oil should always be avoided.
- Never leave a barbecue unattended when children are playing.
- Create a boundary between the children and the barbecue. Do not let them play ball or cycle in the garden while a barbecue is in progress.
- Always keep an eye on children in a swimming pool.
- Never leave small children alone in the shed where (gardening) tools, paint and pesticides and solvents are stored.
Plants and sandbox
Place a sandbox in a quiet spot in the garden. Not in full sun, but also not in a dark corner. Beware of poisonous plants. After all, toddlers put everything in their mouths, including poisonous berries from hedges.
- Some plants, flowers and trees are poisonous. This applies, for example, to the seeds of the golden rain, but also to the berries of the yew and the green and variegated privet.
- With a wooden sandbox, make sure that no splinters protrude. Provide grass around the sandbox, or place rubber tiles around it.
- Keep garden gates locked. This prevents small children from running into the street at an unsupervised moment.
- Anchor a swing properly. Place rubber tiles underneath. This prevents accidents.
Source: Per Palmkvist Knudsen, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA-2.5)
Balcony and outdoor lighting
A child who falls from the balcony or who can just be saved. It is the nightmare of all parents and caregivers. Yet these types of accidents unfortunately do occur.
- Pay attention to where you place the large flower boxes, they are useful steps for children.
- Make sure that the vertical (!) balcony bars are close enough to each other (max. 10 cm).
- If necessary, finish the balcony with sheets of plexiglass or other sturdy material.
- Do not place poisonous flowers or plants on the balcony, such as daffodils. Toddlers will taste it. Ask for advice about balcony planting.
- Are the exterior doors (front and rear) adequately lit? If necessary, install a motion detector. The light then switches on and off automatically.
- Beware of loose and uneven paving stones at the front door. Stairs are also notorious. They pose a real tripping hazard for seniors. Especially in autumn due to moss and wet leaves.
read more
- Safe living for children and the elderly – bathroom and toilet
- Safe living for children and the elderly – kitchen
- Safe living for children and the elderly – bedroom and attic
- Safe living for children and the elderly – stairs and corridors
- Safe living for children and the elderly – living room
