Sensory garden creates happy memories |
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People living with dementia can have difficulty making sense of what they feel, hear, see or smell which can lead to confusion and elevated levels of anxiety and agitation. Creating a living environment to stimulate the senses, while providing opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment in a calm and safe setting can alleviate these symptoms and improve quality of life. Many of the residents of Villa Maria’s aged care homes have dementia. With a holistic approach to care, our aim is to enhance their physical and emotional wellbeing. We are working towards creating multi-sensory rooms and gardens in each of our aged care homes.
With community support, we have been able to create a sensory garden at Villa Maria Berwick. Already, staff have noticed the difference it has made, not just for the residents living with dementia, but for all the residents.
Ester O’Brien, Lifestyle Coordinator at Villa Maria Berwick, says: “Our sensory garden has given pleasure to so many people. Our residents with dementia have benefited greatly from this garden. The smooth coloured path, the herbs and flowers and the sensory boards have all helped to extend their senses and interest outside the home. The bus stop with its sign and the red post office letter box lend themselves to memories and discussions of years gone by with every tour of the garden.”
“Other residents have also been able to enjoy and appreciate the garden. It has a pleasing outlook with a bridge and old fashioned lights as its focal point. The raised flower beds give greater access to those in wheelchairs and walking frames. A volunteer assists with the upkeep of the garden and we grow a variety of herbs as part of our leisure activities. Seasonal vegetables are also grown and used by the residents in their cooking groups.”
Meanwhile, residents and lifestyle staff at Villa O’Neill, our Prahran aged care residence, planted a vertical vegetable garden that provides a sensory garden experience.
Jo Bozin, Lifestyle Co-coordinator at Villa O’Neill, says: “The vertical garden is easily accessible to all residents whether ambulant or not and everyone has eaten from it. There has been enough silver beet for three meals for 42 people; tomatoes, capsicum and cucumber for salads; fresh parsley to garnish; and strawberries and raspberries as you walk past just seem to jump into your mouth.”
“The delight you see on the faces of the residents involved is priceless as they know they have contributed to the nutrition and wellbeing of fellow residents. We also have many varieties of herbs in the vertical garden, providing the kitchen with access to fresh produce seven days a week and also for the cooking program to always have fresh dips and pestos for ‘high tea’.
It costs approximately $25,000 to build a sensory garden and we hope to create one at our Villa Maria Bundoora aged care residence. We welcome all donations to help us achieve our goal. To donate, freecall: 1800 036 377 or visit:www.villamaria.com.au.
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