Outdoor spaces
grounds, we paused at the mantlepiece in reception. It was full of awards, including The Anglia in Bloom Silver Gilt Award 2023, and trophies from the hotly contested Athena in Bloom Awards. Flavia explained how residents are given as much independence as possible in the gardens, with risk assessments helping to establish safe conditions. “We’re extremely passionate that all residents continue to enjoy their hobbies when they move into our home. Being out and about, tending to their plants, and enjoying fresh air in the gardens is a key part of that.” Outside, the grounds wrap around all four sides of the building. Garden after garden reveals itself around each corner as you navigate around the perimeter of the house. There are rustic arches and elegant statues, lawns, and nestboxes, the pond, and hedgehog and bug hotels for the resident wildlife. A woodpecker even chose to set up nest in the Goodwins Hall garden, successfully fledging six chicks last year.
Outdoor furniture is in great demand Each area of the garden fulfils a different role, just like the rooms inside. Benches in peaceful spots provide places to rest and appreciate the sights and sounds of nature. Patios furnished with lounge and dining sets are easy to access from the home, providing a comfortable and practical place to sit and enjoy the outdoors. The outdoor furniture is in great demand to enjoy a cup of tea and a biscuit with family or friends, for afternoon tea parties, craft
The gardens at Goodwins Hall are packed with features to tempt residents outside to explore
and activity sessions, exercise classes, or just for somewhere comfortable to take in the birdsong. Flavia, along with lifestyles co-ordinator Michelle and the rest of the Goodwins Hall team, take every opportunity to put on other popular outdoor activities and events, including a hog roast, BBQs, a Wimbledon themed event and an Easter Mad Hatters Tea Party (complete with a roving magician).
Head of maintenance Tom and Goodwins Hall gardener Lee clearly love their work tending the grounds. Like all their colleagues, they encourage residents to get involved, so the gardens are well used and greatly appreciated. They maintain
the seamless ribbon of smart, safe paths and patios around the home, so navigating the grounds is easy – even in a wheelchair. They also spend a lot of time protecting everyone’s hard work from public enemy number one – the Muntjac deer! In addition to the hard landscaping, Tom
and Lee keep busy by planning schemes, sowing seeds, planting (and lifting) bulbs, creating raised beds (for resident Barry to grow his prize carrots in), and pruning hedges.
Your sensory garden trug
A popular concept for residents living with dementia is to collect interesting sensory items from the garden in a traditional trug or basket. This collection of sensory stimulants can include crunchy leaves, aromatic petals, tactile pine cones, rose hips, seeds, pebbles, and bark. The contents can change with the seasons. Encourage residents to explore the trug indoors and outside, stimulating their senses and conversation at the same time. It may even encourage residents to venture into the garden more.
Home manager Flavia and residents enjoying the outdoors June 2024
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com 29
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40
