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There is evidence that viewing trees, flowers, colours, greenery and seasonal changes can result in positive mood changes. Involvement in gardening such as digging, planting, sweeping, raking, picking flowers and watering can fulfil a need for productivity and sharing and promote an overall sense of wellbeing.
Dementia can affect a person’s ability to independently maintain their garden. An unmaintained garden can indicate that a vulnerable person lives in the home. Common dementia related issues in the garden may include safe outdoor activity (including gardening, craft and relaxation), poor garbage storage and disposal, falls, appearance of well maintained yard, poisoning (plants, chemicals).
Ideally the secure garden would lead directly from the back door with a circular path returning to that starting point. In this case, the garden is at the side of the home, stepping stones have been designed to provide access to the garden, however these are not recommended for frail and aged residents.
The timber fences provide privacy and security to the garden, the pool fence allowing light and a view of the world going by. The gates in the rear fence and at the rear of the car port are to provide emergency egress for residents of the adjacent nursing home; these gates would normally be secure in a private home.
Environmental features to note in the garden include:
- raised garden bed
- activity benches
- fencing – no footholds, locks
- pathways and surfaces even and leading to activity
- shaded area
- safe furnishings
- yard free from rubbish and well maintained
- plants – sensory stimulation and non-toxic / non-hazardous plants that don’t drop leaves, berries, remove water features and sharp spiky plants
- visual access to encourage outdoor activity, without glare
Work in progress
The garden will eventually feature some garden seating, potting benches, and sensory features such as water features, a water tank and bird feeders. The dementia friendly design is being developed by the BCS team.
Some of the ideas are simple and inexpensive, whilst others require professional installation and are more costly. For professional advise regarding your circumstances and needs, please contact the Independent Living Centre on 1300 885 886.