Therapy
interaction with animals helps to release oxytocin, which can lower stress levels and promote a sense of calm.
n Improved mood: the companionship offered by animals, such as therapy dogs, can reduce feelings of loneliness, a common issue in nursing homes.
n Increased physical activity: residents may be more motivated to engage in light physical activities such as petting or walking the animals.
To create a suitable environment for pet therapy, consider the following: n Designated areas: set up spaces where animals can interact safely with residents. They should be quiet and comfortable with ample seating for residents to interact with the animals without disruption.
n Animal comfort: provide visiting therapy animals with fresh water and a quiet retreat space to take a break.
n Ensure animals are clean, groomed and toileted before visits, and surfaces cleaned afterwards.
n Groom animals and clean surfaces before and after visits to prevent germs or allergens.
12. Therapeutic gardening Gardens enhance the aesthetic value of a care setting but also provide health and wellbeing benefits. Activities can be easily adapted to every ability. Gardening stimulates the mind, improving focus, memory, and cognitive skills, especially in residents living with dementia.
Physical health n Gardening encourages movement – improving mobility and strength.
n Exciting new evidence shows that soil microbes, such as Mycobacterium vaccae have mood-boosting effects. When we come into contact with soil, these microbes are inhaled or absorbed through the skin, triggering the release of serotonin, which regulates mood, sleep, appetite, and overall wellbeing
n The act of engaging with soil and tending plants can have a calming effect and can boost self esteem
n Exposure to natural light outdoors helps regulate circadian rhythms, supporting better sleep patterns.
Engaging with plants provides sensory stimulation through touch, smell, sight, and sound. Residents can enjoy the textures of
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leaves, flowers, the fragrance of herbs, and the sounds of nature.
Incorporating gardening into the environment: n Raised beds: raised garden beds make it easier for residents with mobility issues to participate without having to bend over.
n Accessible pathways: smooth, wide paths allow for easy access to garden spaces, including for wheelchair users.
n Outdoor seating: comfortable seating in gardens at frequent intervals provides a place to relax and enjoy nature.
n Therapeutic garden rooms: A dedicated indoor garden space with plants offers a calming retreat during bad weather.
n Seasonal gardening: A variety of plants that bloom in different seasons can provide ongoing sensory experiences throughout the year.
n Indoor gardening: can be a table-based activity and provide interest over time, such as watching potted seedlings grow on a sunny windowsill.
Integrating multidisciplinary therapy approaches A successful therapeutic approach in care homes requires collaboration and forward planning. A multidisciplinary approach ensures that residents receive holistic care that addresses their physical, cognitive, and emotional needs.
A care plan that integrates therapy must be individualised and regularly updated. Staff must collaborate with residents to evaluate preferences, needs, and goals, ensuring that therapeutic interventions are integrated into daily routines.
Incorporating therapy into design – key considerations: n Natural light: maximise daylight and ventilation to improve mood and circadian rhythms.
n Nature-inspired design: incorporate plants, water features, bird feeders and outdoor views for a calming atmosphere.
n Quiet spaces: design seating areas for rest and relaxation, away from noise.
n Outdoor space: gardens and paths encourage gentle physical activity.
n Exercise areas: spaces for walking, moving and stretching.
n Accessible layouts: wide, uncluttered communal rooms and hallways with ramps where needed for easy movement, both indoors and out.
Sheena Cunnington
Sheena Cunnington RGN MSc. (Dementia), is a registered nurse with more than 20 years’ leadership experience in residential care in Ireland and the UK, and a further decade in the field of learning and development. She works regularly with QCS, developing policy and learning content to support high-quality care. With a specialist focus on dementia, Sheena has delivered over 30,000 hours of training across the residential and home care sectors. She is a committed advocate for positive ageing and the rights of older people.
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Conclusion Incorporating therapy into design creates environments that support physical, emotional, and cognitive health. Thoughtful spaces for mobility, sensory stimulation, music, and social interaction improve quality of life. I believe incorporating therapies is not a luxury; it is an essential component of providing high-quality, person-centred care. From physical and cognitive therapies to environmental modifications and animal-assisted interventions, all can play a part in promoting wellbeing – the overarching aim in person centred care. Residential care settings must evolve into spaces that prioritise therapeutic support for older adults, so that living the richest possible life is the main focus. Access to enjoyable therapies should be a daily right, not a privilege.
Thoughtful design seamlessly integrates
therapies into daily life, enhancing physical, emotional, and cognitive wellbeing through accessible layouts, sensory stimulation, music zones, natural light, and creative opportunities, improving residents’ quality of life
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