Outdoor environment


Creating inspirational sensory gardens in care settings


With spring here and summer on its way, Stuart Humphrey and Rebecca White of Northamptonshire-based national award-winning landscape gardeners Timotay take an in-depth look at how to create sensory gardens and spaces in care settings


Sensory gardens and gardening in care settings give pleasure. Be it creating, tidying, or nurturing them, pottering about, or simply admiring the work of others. Many appreciate the difference a sensory garden can make to a home or setting, the environment, and indeed, to a quality of life. A sensory garden also adds to the quality of lifestyle for elderly people. They are a great source of comfort, and even when seniors can no longer take care of themselves, and maybe move into assisted living or care homes, many still enjoy the retreat of a garden.


The proof is irrefutable: gardens are good


for everyone, both elderly and young people. The evidence of research shows that being outside is essential for both physical and mental well-being.


A report published by Natural England in 2016, in collaboration with Dementia Adventure, the Mental Health Foundation and Innovations in Dementia, highlighted how engagement with nature and the great outdoors could be improved for the benefit of people living with dementia. The findings revealed the following:


n Wildlife is one of the most popular activities for people living with dementia.


n The most popular places to visit for people with dementia were associated with water (such as lakes, rivers or the coastline) (45 per cent), and public gardens (30 per cent).


n The top barriers to taking part in outdoor activities, and having contact with nature were lack of confidence, and fears and safety concerns.


One solution to creating an environment where elderly people, and in particular those suffering with dementia, find both familiarity and comfort, without the need to venture out in search of what makes them happy, is to create it around the care home where they live.


The ideal sensory garden


A sensory garden is a garden or space that has been designed with the senses in mind, i.e. sight, sounds, smell, touch and taste. Sensory gardens and sensory spaces can help dementia patients to reconnect with their lost memories, since memories are so closely linked to our senses. The ideal garden for people with dementia needs to be: n Well planned and thought out. n Inclusive, and accessible for all, accommodating all abilities, regardless of physical or mental wellbeing.


n An area for gentle exercise and fresh air.


n A space for reflection. n A sensory area of stimulation with colours, smells and the sounds of wildlife. Many people with dementia take great comfort in a garden as a way of reliving their past, generated by images or smells.


n Socialisation with visitors.


Of course, aspiring to achieve a special garden is one thing, creating it is another. That is why people seek the help and advice of the experts. Research has shown that the health


and wellbeing of people with dementia who spent just 10 to 15 minutes of activity a day outside improved significantly. Time outdoors reduces stress and importantly increases self-esteem.


April 2022 www.thecarehomeenvironment.com 31


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