Research suggests that dementia-friendly outdoor environments help promote overall health and well-being among older people with dementia.
These environments not only promote and support stimulating, sensory and therapeutic benefits but also serve as social interaction spaces for family and friends of seniors with dementia.
Besides the typical benefits of exercise, fresh air, and stress relief, dementia gardens help stimulate appetite, increase vitamin D levels through sunlight, improve mood, and offer quiet, consistent, and safe spaces.
Evidence suggests that as visual and cognitive abilities change, certain people with dementia will increasingly function in a sensory mode rather than on an intellectual level.
While many gardens offer visual appeal, the dementia garden is a sensory garden designed to stimulate all five senses.
Sensory gardens are designed to help reduce agitation and aggression, promote discovery, curiosity, and independence, as well as assist in reclaiming long-term memories.
Key features for designing Dementia Gardens are:
- Walking tracks should be circular or in the shape of figure eight (8). This design helps people with dementia to keep walking in a loop without stopping at a dead end. Routes must never terminate at dead ends which can trigger fear and agitation.
- Flowers and plants must be edible and should not have thorns.
- Walking paths should be quick-dry, non-slip, non-trip, well-lit, same level, drainable and wide with handrails.
- Garden should be viewable by staff, while still feeling private for seniors.
- Sculptures or easy to remember features should be incorporated to aid wayfinding.
- Water features like fish ponds and small fountains should be incorporated.
- Provision for covered and open seating for activities like chair yoga, discussion groups, communal meals should be made.
- Gazebos, pergolas, climbing plants and trees should be placed.
- Plants and flowers which attract birds and butterflies should be selected.
The attached document “Gardens that Care: Planning Outdoor Environments for People with Dementia” by Alzheimer’s Australia SA Inc, is an insightful read which can help care home operators and government agencies.
The document can be downloaded here (Dementia Garden for Older People) or can be viewed below