The benefits of gardening for people with dementia

Growing your own flowers and plants has many benefits for people with dementia. It’s an activity that reduces stress and fosters happiness. The very act of gardening is a pleasant activity for people whether or not a plant eventually grows.

Some key statistics:

A few key statistics from The Kings Fund, Gardens and Health report 2016, show how important gardening is. Around 89 % of UK households have a garden and estimates suggest that private gardens cover an area of about the size of one-fifth of Wales. Among 30 activities, gardening is ranked 12th overall in terms of prevalence among adults, but 7th for those 75yrs and over.

There are lasting benefits for gardening for someone who has Dementia, which include:

- Stimulates reminiscing

- Pain reduction

- Improvement in attention span

- Lower stress

- Less agitation

- Decreased need for medications

- Improved strength and balance to help minimise falls

- Emotional healing

brighterkind care homes focus on the health and well-being of all their residents. Gardening is enjoyed by many residents as part of their varied Recreation and Activities programme.

Hints and tips for family and care givers:

If you’re a caregiver for someone with dementia, start a garden together this summer. An outdoor space can be a sanctuary that provides you and your loved one with a time and place to relax.

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your gardening time with a loved one:

-Ask your loved one what plants, flowers and colours they like. If they aren’t able to answer verbally, show them pictures from gardening magazines or garden websites and encourage them to point to their favourites. There are gardening tools specifically made for elderly people to make it easier for them to use and can be purchased from places like Spring Chicken who sell a wide range of items specifically designed with the older generation in mind.

Ergonomic 4 piece garden tool set £49.99

-Add vibrant herbs like lavender and rosemary to the garden. When they bloom, bring them inside and make essential oils. Both offer stress-relieving benefits for people with dementia

-Include the family. Encourage your siblings and children to help your parent plant flowers, herbs and vegetables.

-Provide prompts to help your loved one remember to nurture their garden on a regular basis.

-Use raised plant beds for safer, easier access to vegetables and flowers.

-Install railings around the plant beds. When your loved one has something to hold onto, it makes them feel safe and maximises their independence.

-Build the garden around paths that form a circle. Keep the path away from exits or gates to prevent your loved one from wandering out of the backyard.

-Be sure to place benches for your loved one to rest on throughout the garden.

-Also include fountains and water features along the pathway. Water provides positive stimulation to your loved one’s senses and helps to calm agitation and stress.

After asking your loved one about their favourite colours and flowers, make a list. Check that the plants, flowers and vegetables are appropriate for older people with memory loss.

-Grow only non-toxic plants. An adult with a memory impairment might try to eat pretty flowers that catch the eye.

-Use a variety of colours and smells to spark your loved one’s senses.

-Plant vegetables that you can pick off the vine together and use when preparing meals.