As senior citizens continue to age, it becomes increasingly important to ensure their living environment is safe, comfortable and engaging. One way to achieve this is by utilising synthetic grass in senior living facilities. Whether you are an owner or property manager of an aged care community or a local retirement village, here are the many benefits of artificial grass for seniors and their caretakers that you should know.
Pros and Cons of Artificial Grass
Before diving into the specific benefits of synthetic grass for senior living facilities, let’s first consider the pros and cons of artificial grass in general.
Pros:
- Low maintenance: Unlike natural grass, synthetic grass does not require mowing, watering or fertilising. So it is an ideal option for any community.
- Durability: Artificial turf can withstand heavy foot traffic, harsh weather conditions & prolonged exposure to sunlight without fading or deteriorating.
- Aesthetically pleasing: Synthetic grass looks and feels like natural grass, boosting the overall appearance of your senior facility.
- Environmentally friendly: Artificial grass does not require pesticides or herbicides, reducing the use of harmful chemicals in the environment.
Cons:
- Initial cost: Artificial turf can be expensive to install, especially if you opt for higher-quality materials.
- Heat retention: Some brands of synthetic grass absorb heat and can become hot to the touch, making it uncomfortable for residents during summer.
- Limited drainage: Synthetic grass does not absorb water like natural grass, which can lead to drainage issues during heavy rain.
Benefits of Artificial Grass for Senior Homes & Their Caretakers
When installed in senior living facilities, synthetic grass’ pros easily outweigh its cons. Here are the undeniable benefits of artificial grass for seniors and their caretakers.
Improved Safety
Seniors are more prone to falls and injuries, especially when they are outdoors. Synthetic grass can help prevent falls by providing a level surface for seniors to walk on whenever they want to hang out on the patio or any other exterior area in the retirement village. Unlike natural grass, properly installed synthetic grass does not have uneven surfaces or holes that can cause seniors to trip and fall.
Reduced Maintenance
Senior living facilities can be challenging to maintain, especially when it comes to commercial landscaping. Natural grass requires frequent watering, mowing and fertilising, which can be time-consuming and expensive. On the other hand, synthetic grass requires little to no maintenance, allowing caretakers to focus on other important tasks.
Versatility
Synthetic grass can be used in various ways throughout senior living facilities. You can utilise it to create gardens, patios, mini-golf areas and other outdoor spaces ideal for senior citizens. This versatility allows property owners or managers like you to build safe and comfortable outdoor areas for seniors to explore and enjoy.
Improved Quality of Life
Spending time outdoors is essential for seniors’ mental and physical health. Synthetic grass allows seniors to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about grass stains, dirt, mud or allergies. Also, the soft texture of artificial grass is gentle on joints and muscles, making it an ideal option for seniors with mobility issues.
Where to Use Synthetic Grass in Senior Living Facilities
You can install synthetic grass in several areas of your facility. Here are some:
- Gardens: Synthetic grass can be used to create beautiful and low-maintenance garden areas for seniors to enjoy. You can utilise it to build stunning walkways, sitting areas and even small ponds or water features.
- Zen areas: Seniors can benefit greatly from spending time in quiet and peaceful outdoor spaces. You can use artificial grass to create zen gardens or meditation areas, providing seniors with a calming environment to unwind.
- Golf areas: Many seniors enjoy playing golf, and synthetic grass is perfect for miniature golf courses or putting greens. You can then foster a fun and engaging outdoor activity that can help keep seniors active and healthy.
- Outdoor seating areas: Want to install patios or decks? Choose artificial turf to beautify these seating areas. It allows seniors to enjoy the outdoors cosily & safely without worrying about slipping or tripping on uneven surfaces.
Why You Should Hire Commercial Landscaping Services for Artificial Grass Installation
Truly, the benefits of artificial grass for seniors and their caretakers are incredible. Still, you might ask, “what about all the disadvantages of synthetic grass mentioned above?” This is where commercial landscaping services step in.
While artificial grass can be installed by amateurs, it is highly recommended to hire commercial landscaping services for installation. Professional landscapers have the knowledge, skills and equipment to install synthetic grass correctly and efficiently.
For instance, here at Mathiou Services, we install elderly-friendly artificial grass designed with drainage to resolve the limited drainage issues during heavy rain. Worried about heat retention and high upfront cost? Our team will help you choose the best synthetic grass materials for your facility’s specific needs and budget.
Contact Mathiou Services
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have more questions or concerns about installing artificial grass in your aged care homes, retirement villages or independent living facilities. We’re ready to show you how artificial turf can transform your property and boost its safety for your valued customers. Let’s have a chat today!