‘Forget Me Not’ Gardens: How Gardens Help Dementia Care
Oakleigh Manor The Landscape Design Centre, Dargate, Faversham, Kent. ME13 9HB 0800 023 1310
Dementia is a global health concern, with statistics increasing at an alarming rate. Studies show that 7.7 million new cases are identified every year. Experts say that approximately half of the elderly people living in care homes suffer from dementia or exhibit symptoms.
Because
of
this
overwhelming
health
concern,
many
organisations and experts are embarking on new research to find a cure to the disease. Most of them take on the endeavour of discovering ways to improve dementia symptoms without the use of drugs. One research, for instance, says that gardens in care homes could offer therapeutic benefits for patients with dementia. Experts say that the pleasing and relaxing nature of gardens stimulates the senses, triggers memories, and may improve the over-all health of people with dementia.
Remembering the Past
Plants, flowers, and waters in the garden produce a relaxing and healing effect on dementia patients. This helps reduce stress levels and blood pressure, thus minimising problems related to the disease such as stress, anxiety, aggression and agitation. Being out in the garden or being involved in garden-related tasks encourage patients to share about their past, as it reminds them of habits they may have had when they were younger. Activities like picking flowers or eating fruits and vegetables help with reminiscing the past.
Improving Physical Health
Gardens also help improve the physical health of patients. Physical activities such as digging, cleaning up leaves, weeding, planting, and mowing grass increases oxygen levels, which are normally low when they are inside aged care homes. The activities serve as an exercise that helps sufferers maintain balance and coordination. It also enhances stamina and strength. Experts say that because of these activities, patients are able to sleep and eat better. Promoting Social Interaction
Dementia patients generally isolate themselves from the crowd, but the dynamics of garden space allows them to interact with other patients. Group gardening tasks allow them to initiate talks about favourite plants and flowers, and memories as well. This proves that other than psychological and physical benefits, gardens also make an impact on the social health of people with dementia.
Gardens, as it turns out, goes way beyond aesthetics. Research proves it is therapeutic and empowering.
RESOURCES: http://oakleighmanor.com/
http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/dementia/en/
http://ahta.org/news/gardens-can-have-positive-effectsdementia-patients