A dementia safe garden

Getting outside is very important for people with dementia and gardening is one of the easiest ways to get outdoors. We have discussed in previous blogs about the importance of exercise and exposure to light to improve the dementia patient’s mood, health and sleep. 

There is a clear connection between Vitamin D and falls, and the best source of Vitamin D is sunlight on the skin. 

Pottering around in the garden, ideally a dementia safe garden is a great way to stay well. 

Even if you don’t have a garden, a balcony or a small area outside for a few potted plants can give great pleasure, and it’s still outside in the sunlight and fresh air. This is a good way to access some gentle and easy exercise.

Making the garden safe

If the carer and family is concerned about the garden, there are easy ways to make this outside space more ‘garden dementia friendly’, or ‘dementia garden’. One of the main tasks is making sure that the dementia person does not leave the garden and subsequently become lost. This can be easily sorted by making sure there is an adequate fence or boundary. If it already has a fence or boundary, make sure it is of decent height and the fence is checked for any loose panels, any gaps etc. 

The gate in the fence can be made unobtrusive with planting, and/or putting the lock on the outside. 

The garden is a great way of distracting people who may be agitated or distressed because there is always something to do, whether that be weeding, digging, planting, sweeping pathways, grass cutting or even putting the washing on the line. 

It is also beneficial because the skills used outside and with gardening are often learnt a long time ago, so are always there. It is relatively easy for the dementia person to be able to remember how to perform at least basic tasks in the garden. 

It brings great satisfaction to do things with your hands, to be manual, for both women and men. It reduces stress and brings back to nature which is always calming and good for the central nervous system. Showing young people also brings satisfaction when showing them how to pot a plant or take a cutting, It also helps in helping to keep that family connection going, which again helps the family members and the dementia person’s wellbeing. 

Suitable garden layouts

When choosing the layout, it should be well designed, easy to see and find from inside the house. Flowers, bushes, ornaments should not block or impede visibility to the garden itself. The garden needs to be safe and secure as detailed above, as does the route to said garden our outside space. There should be no steep levels or trip hazards. It should be designed taking account of a range of sensory and mobility problems, but also give a sense of freedom to the dementia person. 

Paths

These should lead back to where they started to avoid confusion and stress. The path should not have sharp turns or dead ends. It should be wide enough for at least two people and the surface mustn’t be of loose material such as gravel or bark chippings; to avoid slips and falls. 

Ideally there should be somewhere to sit and rest, ideally sheltered so it can be used, if needed, in inclement weather. A patio is often an ideal solution. 

Sensory garden

As highlighted above, ideally it should be a sensory garden. Flowers should be full of colour and fragrance to aid visual and smell senses. A bird table to attract different breeds if birds will also aid the senses, both audio and visual. A water feature is also ideal as a sensory piece. 

A sensory garden for dementia is very helpful, as sensory stimulation helps trigger memories of gardening habits, hobbies and incites conversation. It also aids cognitive activity. 

The design should also encourage wildlife if possible. If there is enough space, small animals such as rabbits and chickens can help. Having pets can help on a sensory level, while assisting with giving the dementia patient focus and routine from feeding them or collecting the hen’s eggs. 

An outdoor space/garden that is dementia friendly also encourages games and social events, which provide meaning and help to minimise isolation for the person. It keeps the dementia person involved in life activities and also helps to maintain exercise levels, whilst encouraging them to communicate and socialise.