Many people living with dementia have limited access to outdoor spaces.

They have a higher potential for falls and injury. Most experience confusion, anxiety, loneliness and depression.

To reduce these feelings, people with dementia need to stay physically active to maintain general health and wellbeing and also have regular access to the outdoors.

Included in the research paper by Alzheimer’s Australia NSW [1];

Physical activity is a broad term that includes any body movement that works the muscles and expends energy. It includes incidental movement and activities such as household chores and gardening.

Many structured exercise programs for people with dementia are held in indoor venues. Where possible, programs should be held outdoors, to ensure that people with dementia reap the additional benefits of fresh air and vitamin D, which many older people, particularly those living in RACFs, are deficient in. Time outside may also have a subsequent impact on their circadian rhythm which can lead to better quality sleep.

If programs are not able to be conducted outside, attempts should be made to ensure participants can see green spaces and sky to simulate the effect of being outside.

Such ‘green exercise’ is important for well-being and can benefit people with dementia. [2]

The benefits of gardening.

Many residents of aged care homes, particularly those who were active within their community and also keen gardeners in their own homes, would find access to outdoor spaces and participation in gardening activities beneficial to their overall wellbeing. This is also helpful for people receiving in-home care and support.

For people in dementia care and also for those in the early stages of dementia who access support through respite and home care, a gardening program can easily be incorporated into lifestyle programs.

Improvements from gardening are physical, phycological, cognitive and social. Gardening also provides access to the environment and fresh food grown.

A therapeutic garden.

When creating a garden suitable for people with dementia keep these aspects in mind…

  • Outdoor spaces must be safe for all users – this includes safe landscaping materials, non-slip pathways, non-poisonous or spikey plants, adequate shade, suitable fencing and handrails or support throughout the garden.
  • Gardens need to be accessible for all residents – allow for access to safe outdoor spaces for all residents in dementia care. If the area is well fenced and safe then access should be made available throughout the day, as weather permits.
  • Include suitable plants – include plants to stimulate the senses (read more HERE) and provide opportunities for remembrance and growing of fresh food.
  • Create sustainable gardens – this includes following organic growing methods (follow my guide HERE) and establishing a garden maintenance program to help gardens to thrive.
  • Add useful garden elements to enhance outdoor experiences – include features like seating or a gazebo for socialising, water fountains and bird baths, potted plants for extra colour, raised gardens filled with soil for digging (don’t fill all gardens with plants), watering cans and hoses to enjoy watering and trees or shrubs for attracting birds.

When establishing a therapy garden, or a kitchen garden, start with simple planning to gather ideas and include all the elements that will enhance the participant’s experience.

Kitchen Gardens can be established in dementia care units and as part of the gardening program residents can assist with the growing and harvesting of fresh food for used by chefs in the kitchen.

Read more about growing fresh food HERE.

Therapeutic Gardening Programs

Providing regular garden activities within safe outdoor spaces not only provides positive experiences for the residents, but also the added benefits of having fresh, homegrown food included in their meals.

As I’ve mentioned above, regular exercise and healthy food are important for people of all ages, especially people with dementia.

Maggie Beer suggests in her book ‘Maggie’s Recipe For Life’ – “There is plenty of evidence that changes in dietary habits can reduce these disease-causing problems”. So a change to a healthy diet and active lifestyle could help to prevent dementia.

Find out about the Maggie Beer Foundation HERE.

For people in early or later stages of dementia a healthy diet and regular outdoor exercise can reduce the effects of the illness.

Therapeutic Horticulture is the use of plants and gardening activities to improve people’s health and wellbeing.

Regular gardening activities are incorporated into lifestyle programs so residents can access gardens spaces and enjoy the benefits of gardening as a form of therapy.

Activities include;

  • Seed sowing
  • Planting seedlings
  • Digging in the dirt
  • Harvesting herbs and vegetables
  • Picking flowers
  • Pruning and weeding
  • Watering

These activities encourage movement, improve fine motor skills, strengthen cardio-vascular system, improve balance, reduce stress, anxiety and confusion and also exercise the memory.

By participating in simple gardening activities, the gardeners are receiving holistic benefits to their health.

To learn ways for delivering therapeutic gardening activities join me for the unique online training and learn how to provide meaningful garden-based activities to people of all abilities and ages through NDIS, aged care, community services, schools and other locations within the community. Read more here…

Listen to my podcast episode on running a successful program HERE.

If you would like guidance to establish a therapeutic gardening program, please contact me HERE to discuss ways I can help you.

References:

1 - Miskovski, K, 2016. Discussion Paper: The benefits of physical activity and exercise for people living with dementia. Alzheimer’s Australia NSW, [Online]. Available at: https://www.dementia.org.au/files/NSW/documents/AANSW_DiscussionPaper11.pdf 

2 - Mapes, N. 2011. Research Project: Living with dementia and connecting with nature – looking back and stepping forwards. Exploring the benefits of green exercise with people with dementia, University of Essex. Available online at: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/56e9367020c64742fe062659/t/57038b094d088e7781128f4d/1459849998740/green-exercise-and-dementia-neil-mapes-february-2011.pdf 

© cath manuel 1 august 2018

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