Gardens As a guide:


n Traditional garden plants can evoke memories.


n Scent, sound, and texture can be used to good effect.


n Some plants in particular can evoke childhood memories of games, for example daisy chains, dandelion clocks, conkers – and these can be used as the basis for discussion and activities. There is a strong argument for having a section of the garden devoted to wild flowers, which can remind people of walks they might have had throughout their lives.


n There will be those who want to take part in ‘hands-on’ gardening – and others who may simply get joy from watching activity, and so it is important to provide for both.


n Features to attract wildlife such as bird feeders, a birdbath, and a nest box can create another source of interest and be used to enjoy wildlife ‘visitors’ throughout the year. These are also likely to attract squirrels too!


n Space for games and organised activities.


People with disabilities may have other health problems. Specific design features can compensate for a disability, for example, ensuring that some plants can be easily reached, touched, or smelled, providing raised planters at different heights to allow for easy use whether sitting or standing, and ensuring that signage can be easily understood and providing stable seating with arms that is easy to sit down on or get up from.


Concluding thoughts When young, most of us take for granted that we can go outdoors when we want to, have barbeques on sunny days, and wander in a garden or park, enjoying the fresh air and green environment. We must ensure that people of all


ages with disabilities, those with the infirmities of older age, and those living with dementia can also enjoy the same pleasures. Inclusive design will work for everyone. Perhaps those maintaining the garden areas can involve more active residents to help – which would be beneficial for all.


The author wishes to thank Professor Emeritus Mary Marshall for her input into this article.


References 1 https://www.mind.org.uk/information- support/tips-for-everyday-living/nature- and-mental-health/how-nature-benefits- mental-health


2 https://www.webmd.com/balance/ss/ slideshow-health-benefits-nature


3 https://www.scientificamerican.com/ article/nature-that-nurtures


4 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/vitamin-d- deficiency-migrant-health-guide


5 https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-us/ dementia-UK-leading-cause-of-death


6 https://www.epa.gov/report-environment/ indoor-air-quality


7 https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/ articles/1m0KylS04ZqwcswP5Q8MQQq/the- big-air-pollution-experiment


8 https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/news/new- evidence-shows-planting-around-school- playgrounds-protects-children-from-air- pollution


9 https://www.researchgate.net/ publication/216354789_Neighbourhoods_ for_life_ Designing_dementia-friendly_ outdoor_environments


10 https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/resource/ dementia-and-the-outdoors-guidance-note


Bibliography n Pollock A, Marshall M (editors). Designing


outdoor spaces for people with dementia. University of Stirling and HammondCare. 2012


42 Annie Pollock


Retired architect and landscape architect Annie Pollock is secretary of the Edinburgh Access Panel, which provides advice in respect of people with a disability on building projects and planning applications. Before retirement, she specialised in designing outdoor spaces for people living with dementia as a consultant for the Dementia Services Development Centre, Stirling University, and HammondCare Dementia Centre. She has written books on garden design and air quality.


n Gilliard J, Marshall M. Creating Culturally Appropriate Outside Spaces and Experiences for People with Dementia. Jessica Kingsley. 2014


n Cooper C, Sachs NA. Therapeutic Landscapes. Wiley. 2014


n


n Pollock A, Cunningham C. The Room Outside. HammondCare. 2018


n McNair D, Pollock R, Cunningham C. Enlighten. HammondCare. 2017


n Pollock A. A breath of fresh air. HammondCare. 2021


n Pollock R. Acoustics in Aged Care. HammondCare. 2021


n https://rca-media2.rca.ac.uk/documents/ Green_spacescover.pdf


www.thecarehomeenvironment.com November 2024


© Annie Pollock


© Annie Pollock


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