Gardening can be a soothing therapeutic activity for people living with dementia, offering numerous psychological and physical benefits. Designing a dementia-friendly garden involves thoughtful planning to create a safe, engaging, and calming environment. Here’s how to set up such a space, covering essential elements like layout, plant selection, and sensory features.
Design with Safety in Mind
Creating a safe environment is paramount when designing a garden for a senior loved one with dementia. This involves eliminating potential hazards and making the space accessible.
- Pathways – Ensure walkways are wide, clear, and nonslip, maybe using materials like rubber or smooth stone. Circular paths can prevent confusion and ensure your loved one always ends up back where he or she started.
- Barriers – Install low fences or natural hedges to outline boundaries clearly without feeling restrictive, providing a sense of security.
- Lighting – Adequate lighting is crucial for preventing trips and falls, especially in shaded areas. Consider installing motion-sensor lights to enhance visibility without overwhelming the garden with constant brightness.
Seniors with dementia often need assistance with everyday activities so they can age in place in safety and comfort. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of homecare services families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Select Easy-to-Navigate Layouts
The layout should facilitate easy navigation and encourage exploration without causing distress.
- Zones and seating – Divide the garden into distinct zones for different activities, like potting plants, relaxation, or bird watching. Place ample seating throughout the garden to allow for regular rest stops.
- Landmarks – Include vivid landmarks, such as a brightly painted bench or a water feature, to help with orientation. This can help your loved one recognize distinct garden areas, reducing the likelihood of getting lost.
- Open spaces – Large open areas can induce anxiety. Instead, use gentle curves and enclosed spaces that feel safe and intimate, reducing feelings of being overwhelmed.
Choose Non-Toxic, Visually Engaging Plants
Plant selection should focus on safety, sensory engagement, and visual appeal.
- Nontoxic varieties – Prioritize plants that are nontoxic and safe to touch, ensuring they won’t cause harm if accidentally ingested or handled roughly.
- Seasonal interest – Choose a variety of plants that offer interest year-round, like sunflowers for summer and evergreen shrubs for winter, ensuring the garden remains vibrant across seasons.
- Color and texture – Incorporate a mixture of colorful plants and textured foliage to stimulate the senses and evoke feelings of joy and curiosity.
If your loved one is living with dementia, having a trained professional caregiver close by can provide you and your family with much-needed peace of mind. The type of home care Danville seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors.
Integrate Sensory Stimuli
Engaging the senses can help seniors with dementia reconnect with memories and emotions.
- Sound – Add elements such as wind chimes, rustling grasses, or water features to create soothing soundscapes. The gentle babbling of a water fountain can be particularly calming and therapeutic.
- Scent – Plant aromatic herbs like lavender, rosemary, or mint, providing calming scents and also engaging the olfactory senses, which can evoke strong memories.
- Touch – Include plants with different textures, such as soft lamb’s ear or feathery ferns, allowing tactile interaction and promoting a connection with the natural world.
Encourage Active Engagement & Enjoyment
A dementia-friendly garden should encourage active engagement while allowing for peaceful retreat.
- Gardening areas – Designate sections for active gardening, such as raised flower beds, which are easier to reach and maintain, helping your loved one continue with gardening hobbies.
- Wildlife attractions – Encourage wildlife with bird feeders or butterfly-friendly plants, offering opportunities for observation and connection with nature.
- Interactive features – Incorporate interactive elements such as musical instruments or sensory trails, encouraging movement and discovery in a joyful and non-intimidating manner.
Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. Danville families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today to learn more about our customized care plans.