People living with dementia may experience challenges which can limit independence and a connection to the activities they once loved, including gardening.
However, Baptistcare Mirrambeena Residential Care in Margaret River has found a way via a $30,000 grant from Alzheimer’s WA for people to get back in touch with nature.
Baptistcare Mirrambeena’s gardening project provides a nurturing and therapeutic environment for residents and is one example of how Baptistcare aims to keep people in their care motivated, interested in life and connected to their families and communities.
Supervised by staff and volunteers, residents plant and harvest vegetables, herbs and flowers giving them time in the outdoors and an opportunity to participate in an activity that can unlock memories of their own gardens of the past.
Gardening is a physical activity that can help maintain mobility and flexibility in older people and provides a myriad of physical, psychological and social benefits.
Specially constructed raised garden beds were purchased and installed at Baptistcare Mirrambeena to make it easier for residents in wheelchairs to participate and enjoy the experience.
Smelling, touching, looking and remembering offers people with dementia the opportunity to participate in an activity that can improve their wellbeing.
- Julieann Ryan
Baptistcare Mirrambeena Dementia Enrichment Officer, Julieann Ryan said there were many benefits to the gardening project for residents who once enjoyed working in and looking at their own gardens.
“Digging, planting, watering and harvesting the plants increases sensory enjoyment,” she said.
“Smelling, touching, looking and remembering offers people with dementia the opportunity to participate in an activity that can improve their wellbeing.”
“Staff and volunteers oversee the project and ensure the produce is either sold at a stall at Baptistcare Mirrambeena or donated to local schools,” she said.
The remainder of the grant money was used to improve the décor and functionality of the dementia care and memory support unit at Baptistcare Mirrambeena.
Baptistcare has more than 45 years’ experience providing care and residential living options for Western Australians in their senior years.