Fifteen residents of Bethanie Elanora’s dementia wing are reaping the benefits of a newly installed sensory garden.
Following a planning meeting with residents, family members and staff at the aged care home, the therapy team and volunteers worked with residents to plant the garden, and the Bethanie maintenance team assisted with clearing the garden, installing a shade sail, organising paving, installing reticulation and general maintenance of the garden.
According to Bethanie Occupational Therapist Megan Jupp evidence suggests that being in natural surroundings has a positive impact on our health, wellbeing and quality of life and for those reasons it was decided to turn an under utilised raised bed into a sensory garden.
“The aim was to create a sensory garden that had many smells, colours and textures. Examples of the plants in the garden include lavender, honey suckle, kangaroo paw, annuals, tomatoes and herbs like thyme, basil and rosemary” she said.
Several of the residents at the nursing home are now actively involved in caring for the garden.
Apart from being an enjoyable form of exercise, gardening benefits people with dementia by encouraging the use of motor skills. It also encourages reminiscence and promotes relaxation and social interaction.
