Part of the AT for everyday living series, this guide looks at low-risk assistive technology (AT) for gardening. These simple items can be used with other reablement ideas to support independence. Continue reading to find out how.
Gardening has many benefits for both the mind and body. Working with plants and spending time in green spaces has been shown to help people stay active and do something meaningful. This can:
Engage the brain
Spark creativity
Improve self-esteem
Contribute to better strength, balance, and stamina
Gardening can also be a social activity, and social connections are often linked to greater happiness in older age.
That’s why it’s important to support older people to continue gardening, even as their abilities change. Low-risk assistive technology (AT) can help.
These simple, off-the-shelf items are a key part of the wellness and reablement approach. They enable older people to maintain or regain their skills for daily living.
On this page, you’ll learn about low-risk AT and other reablement strategies for gardening, such as:
Building capacity
Modifying the task
Modifying the environment
Providing information
Don’t worry if you’re not sure what ‘low-risk AT’ means or if you haven’t heard of these other strategies. This page will explain these concepts, too, supporting you to promote safe, enjoyable gardening for your clients.
Low-risk AT is a reablement strategy. It refers to aids, equipment, or devices that can usually be bought in retail stores. These items are also:
Unlikely to cause harm when used in everyday life
Easy to set up and use with minimal professional advice
Low-risk AT can help older people:
Adapt to changes in their abilities
Gradually develop or maintain their skills for daily living
Continue participating in meaningful activities without relying on others
These benefits support independence, confidence, and overall wellbeing, which is the core focus of wellness and reablement.
If you’re new to wellness and reablement, our introductory guide is a great place to start and build your knowledge. If you’ve already covered the basics and are looking for practical tips to apply reablement, our reablement strategies page can help.
Gardening gloves protect the skin and nails from dirt, insect bites, and sharp plants. They also help prevent potential sun damage while making it easier to grip tools.
Knee pads
These lightweight knee pads cushion the knees when working on the ground. They attach behind the knee with Velcro to help reduce pressure on the knee joint.
Apron
Gardening aprons allow people to carry their most-used tools with them. This reduces the need to go back and forth to the shed, potentially preventing fatigue.
These raised garden beds can be used for flowers, herbs, or small vegetable plants. They reduce the physical effort needed for bending and tend to have fewer weeds. Those on wheels are also easy to move around.
Hanging baskets reduce the need to bend while tending to plants. Retractable baskets also reduce the need to reach. Users can adjust the pulley to bring the basket and plant down to the required level.
This trolley is ideal for people who don’t have the strength or balance to carry or manoeuvre plant pots. It enables users to move or adjust plants as needed without heavy lifting.
Using a vertical garden can save space and reduce the number of plant pots on the ground. They can be organised and maintained at a convenient height. This makes it easier to control pests and weeds without bending.
These raised garden beds can be used for flowers, herbs, or small vegetable plants. They reduce the physical effort needed for bending and tend to have fewer weeds. Those on wheels are also easy to move around.
Hanging baskets reduce the need to bend while tending to plants. Retractable baskets also reduce the need to reach. Users can adjust the pulley to bring the basket and plant down to the required level.
This trolley is ideal for people who don’t have the strength or balance to carry or manoeuvre plant pots. It enables users to move or adjust plants as needed without heavy lifting.
Using a vertical garden can save space and reduce the number of plant pots on the ground. They can be organised and maintained at a convenient height. This makes it easier to control pests and weeds without bending.
These raised garden beds can be used for flowers, herbs, or small vegetable plants. They reduce the physical effort needed for bending and tend to have fewer weeds. Those on wheels are also easy to move around.
Hanging baskets reduce the need to bend while tending to plants. Retractable baskets also reduce the need to reach. Users can adjust the pulley to bring the basket and plant down to the required level.
This trolley is ideal for people who don’t have the strength or balance to carry or manoeuvre plant pots. It enables users to move or adjust plants as needed without heavy lifting.
These garden hose reels come with automatic locking and rewind features. They limit the amount of time and effort needed to coil and uncoil the hose. They should be installed at waist height to minimise reaching.
A soaker hose wets the soil slowly and evenly, eliminating the need to hold the hose for extended periods. This reduces stress and fatigue in the hands.
This item is useful for people with reduced hand strength. When inserted into the soil, it releases water slowly, helping to avoid water wastage. It also eliminates the need to hold a hose or turn taps on and off.
These carts remove the need to carry the garden hose over long distances. They also reduce the hand strength needed to wind the hose up and keep it tidy.
This item allows the user to water the roots of high or deep garden areas without bending, crouching, or using a ladder. It often comes with a variety of spray settings based on the user’s needs.
These garden hose reels come with automatic locking and rewind features. They limit the amount of time and effort needed to coil and uncoil the hose. They should be installed at waist height to minimise reaching.
A soaker hose wets the soil slowly and evenly, eliminating the need to hold the hose for extended periods. This reduces stress and fatigue in the hands.
This item is useful for people with reduced hand strength. When inserted into the soil, it releases water slowly, helping to avoid water wastage. It also eliminates the need to hold a hose or turn taps on and off.
These carts remove the need to carry the garden hose over long distances. They also reduce the hand strength needed to wind the hose up and keep it tidy.
This item allows the user to water the roots of high or deep garden areas without bending, crouching, or using a ladder. It often comes with a variety of spray settings based on the user’s needs.
These garden hose reels come with automatic locking and rewind features. They limit the amount of time and effort needed to coil and uncoil the hose. They should be installed at waist height to minimise reaching.
A soaker hose wets the soil slowly and evenly, eliminating the need to hold the hose for extended periods. This reduces stress and fatigue in the hands.
This item is useful for people with reduced hand strength. When inserted into the soil, it releases water slowly, helping to avoid water wastage. It also eliminates the need to hold a hose or turn taps on and off.
These tools enable users to complete various gardening tasks from a standing position. This includes tilling soil, removing weeds, and relocating plants. Made from lightweight aluminium, they help reduce fatigue and physical strain.
These tools are well suited for those with weak grips or limited hand control. The right-angled handle promotes a comfortable grip, while the long reach reduces bending.
This tool is useful for people who get tired from using spades. It also helps those who have difficulty with large gardening items like pots or bags of soil. The handle features a squeeze action for picking up and releasing soil.
These soft-grip gardening tools have ergonomic handles that conform to the natural shape of the hand. They can be used for a variety of tasks without causing hand pain and discomfort.
This item is well-suited for people with joint pain or balance concerns. It can be used as a garden kneeler and seat. The handles provide extra support for standing safely, while the pouch can hold tools.
These tools enable users to complete various gardening tasks from a standing position. This includes tilling soil, removing weeds, and relocating plants. Made from lightweight aluminium, they help reduce fatigue and physical strain.
These tools are well suited for those with weak grips or limited hand control. The right-angled handle promotes a comfortable grip, while the long reach reduces bending.
This tool is useful for people who get tired from using spades. It also helps those who have difficulty with large gardening items like pots or bags of soil. The handle features a squeeze action for picking up and releasing soil.
These soft-grip gardening tools have ergonomic handles that conform to the natural shape of the hand. They can be used for a variety of tasks without causing hand pain and discomfort.
This item is well-suited for people with joint pain or balance concerns. It can be used as a garden kneeler and seat. The handles provide extra support for standing safely, while the pouch can hold tools.
These tools enable users to complete various gardening tasks from a standing position. This includes tilling soil, removing weeds, and relocating plants. Made from lightweight aluminium, they help reduce fatigue and physical strain.
These tools are well suited for those with weak grips or limited hand control. The right-angled handle promotes a comfortable grip, while the long reach reduces bending.
This tool is useful for people who get tired from using spades. It also helps those who have difficulty with large gardening items like pots or bags of soil. The handle features a squeeze action for picking up and releasing soil.
With these tools, people can use a simple back-and-forth motion to uproot weeds. They make weeding easier by reducing the need for bending and kneeling. They also minimise soil disturbance.
The handles on these trimmers can be adjusted to several different lengths. This enables users to trim plants without getting too close or overreaching. They should be used with both hands to evenly distribute the effort.
These pruners have a self-opening mechanism. This reduces the amount of grip strength and control needed to cut through thick branches and stems. The handle is large enough to accommodate two hands if necessary.
These sandals can be worn over regular shoes to help users aerate the soil without bending down. The spikes on the soles penetrate the ground with each step, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots more easily.
These bags allow users to collect and dispose of leaves, grass clippings, and other garden debris more easily. They reduce the physical strain of handling bulky waste and can also help users carry their most-used tools in a more manageable way.
These trolleys help move plants, tools, and other garden items without heavy lifting. They are light, easy to fold and store, and have a long handle for easy pushing without bending down.
These tools are ideal for people with limited movement, balance, or are at risk of falling. They have rubber cups on the grabbing mechanism for gripping items without bending. This could include weeds and small fallen branches.
These tools allow for weed removal without bending or kneeling. They feature steel claws that reach into the soil to grab and remove the root from all directions. Their lightweight design also makes them easy to manoeuvre.
With these tools, people can use a simple back-and-forth motion to uproot weeds. They make weeding easier by reducing the need for bending and kneeling. They also minimise soil disturbance.
The handles on these trimmers can be adjusted to several different lengths. This enables users to trim plants without getting too close or overreaching. They should be used with both hands to evenly distribute the effort.
These pruners have a self-opening mechanism. This reduces the amount of grip strength and control needed to cut through thick branches and stems. The handle is large enough to accommodate two hands if necessary.
These sandals can be worn over regular shoes to help users aerate the soil without bending down. The spikes on the soles penetrate the ground with each step, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots more easily.
These bags allow users to collect and dispose of leaves, grass clippings, and other garden debris more easily. They reduce the physical strain of handling bulky waste and can also help users carry their most-used tools in a more manageable way.
These trolleys help move plants, tools, and other garden items without heavy lifting. They are light, easy to fold and store, and have a long handle for easy pushing without bending down.
These tools are ideal for people with limited movement, balance, or are at risk of falling. They have rubber cups on the grabbing mechanism for gripping items without bending. This could include weeds and small fallen branches.
These tools allow for weed removal without bending or kneeling. They feature steel claws that reach into the soil to grab and remove the root from all directions. Their lightweight design also makes them easy to manoeuvre.
With these tools, people can use a simple back-and-forth motion to uproot weeds. They make weeding easier by reducing the need for bending and kneeling. They also minimise soil disturbance.
The handles on these trimmers can be adjusted to several different lengths. This enables users to trim plants without getting too close or overreaching. They should be used with both hands to evenly distribute the effort.
These pruners have a self-opening mechanism. This reduces the amount of grip strength and control needed to cut through thick branches and stems. The handle is large enough to accommodate two hands if necessary.
Maximise the benefits of this AT with these considerations and reablement strategies:
Before suggesting any of these items for use, have a conversation with your client. Talk to them about their gardening experiences and goals. Ask them:
· What gardening activities did they used to enjoy? · How happy are they with their current gardening routine? · What issues are they facing in the garden?
This discussion will help you find the right items to make gardening easier and more enjoyable.
Once you’ve identified the right items for your client, support them in taking safety precautions, such as:
· Stretching their body before and after working in the garden. LiveUp has free stretching and warm-up exercises to prevent injury while gardening.
· Wearing shoes that have good cushioning, arch support, and a sturdy design. This can help improve their stability, comfort, and protect their feet.
· Staying hydrated with water, especially when the weather is warmer.
· In warmer weather, it’s also important to stay sun safe. Your client can stay sun safe by wearing sunscreen and protective clothing. They can also garden early in the morning and late in the afternoon to avoid high temperatures.
· Keeping a strong support nearby if they have issues with their balance.
‘Building capacity’ is a reablement strategy. It’s about helping your client improve their skills so they can do daily tasks on their own:
· Does your client have issues with their movement? Are they at risk of falling? If that’s the case, consider referring them to a physiotherapist or occupational therapist. They can suggest safe gardening techniques. They can also prescribe exercises for improved balance and mobility.
· Has your client bought new tools or plants to make their garden maintenance easier? If so, and with your client’s permission, show them how to use the tools. Support them in understanding what type of environment and care the plants need. You can work together to help your client in creating the garden they need.
· Support your client to engage in a range of daily activities. For example, motivate them to participate in cleaning, shopping, and leisure pursuits. Doing these everyday tasks can help improve their strength, balance, and hand control. These skills are essential for gardening safely and comfortably. Find out more about the health benefits of cooking, cleaning, and participating in social outings on our website.
‘Modify the task’ is about changing how your client does tasks to make them safer and easier to complete:
· Encourage your client to do a little bit of gardening more often, rather than all at once. For example, they could get in the habit of pulling up a weed or two while waiting for the kettle to boil. Integrating gardening tasks into daily routines can make them less overwhelming. This approach is also ideal for preventing fatigue and injury.
· Encourage your client to alternate between jobs that require bending and standing. They could set a timer for 10-15 minutes for each task to avoid too much repetitive action. This will help reduce joint and muscle stiffness.
· Encourage your client to use tags or labels to keep track of the plants in their garden. They could also pair these labels with a plant journal to organise their tasks by day, week, or month. This approach can help them stay organised without feeling overwhelmed.
· There are also smart device apps available that send reminders for light gardening tasks. These could be especially useful for people with dementia and other memory issues.
‘Modify the environment’ is about changing your client’s surroundings to make it easier for them to do daily tasks:
· Make sure that paths and walkways are flat, free of trip hazards, and don’t get slippery when wet. If needed, your client could consider replacing gravel paths with concrete or pavers. These solid materials can be more stable to walk on.
· Your client could use a brightly coloured bucket or garden trug to hold their hand tools. This could help them spot their tools more easily, especially if they have impaired vision.
· In their garden shed, your client could store their most-used tools at waist height. This makes them more accessible, reducing the need for bending and stretching. Your client could also consider storing their tools on peg boards or a canvas hanger. This can help prevent clutter and keep tools visible.
· Encourage your client to keep a chair and bottle of water nearby in the shade while they garden. That way, they can stop for breaks before they get fatigued.
· Depending on their goals and challenges, your client may need to redesign their garden for easier maintenance. For example, they may need to remove low-level plants to reduce bending. LiveUp has more details about adapting gardens.
‘Provide information’ is a way to help people become more independent. It means giving clients and their families useful facts about extra resources and services that can make the client’s life easier:
· Support your client in connecting with local gardening groups. Gardening with others can promote a sense of belonging. Achieving goals together can also boost self-esteem. Community Gardens Australia and Garden Clubs of Australia can help your client find local groups.
· Support your client in connecting with online gardening forums or social media groups. In these spaces, they can share experiences and ask questions. This can boost both their gardening knowledge and sense of community.
· Support your client in accessing LiveUp’s gardening advice. LiveUp is a free healthy ageing guide. It has articles on staying safe and using assistive items while gardening.
If you found this page helpful, check out these resources. They provide more detailed advice about the items mentioned here. They also have general tips on how people can stay independent and healthy as they age.
Making Choices, Finding Solutions (MCFS)
This guide helps older people find and choose simple assistive items for all areas of life. These items are available in everyday online and offline stores. Occupational therapists also share tips on how to use these items the right way.
This guide introduces the benefits of AT and the role it plays in wellness and reablement. It aims to build awareness and product knowledge for home care providers. Access it as an eBook or download it as a PDF.
Our Sector Support and Development team researches and creates these guides. They help users understand key parts of wellness and reablement. They also assist in sharing the benefits of wellness and reablement with clients. With these guides, users can help their clients lead healthier, more independent lives.
LiveUp is an online healthy ageing guide. It offers free personalised suggestions for ageing well. Users can take the LiveUp quiz to find advice, activities, and assistive items for their needs. With LiveUp, users can feel empowered to age their way.
NED is the biggest database of assistive technology (AT) in Australia. It’s helpful for users, carers, and health professionals to find, compare, and buy AT. NED enables people of different abilities to live with greater independence.
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