Gardening with Dementia
We discuss a number of sensory activities that can be undertaken with a dementia patient. Gardening is noted as an activity that can support a patient’s wellbeing, it helps to engage their senses from a visual perspective as well as engaging other senses. It is something that dementia patients can enjoy and it involves spending time outdoors.
Why gardening?
The activity of gardening can include many different actions, which can help the patient to expend energy while the physical benefits from the different activities involved in the garden are vast. Gardening activities tend to encourage social interactions and because of the sensory element of gardening, it can support the patient to be in the moment. Sensory activities are known to have positive impacts on the dementia patient, from the smells which may spark memories and the feel of the different materials and textures of plants that the patient can enjoy.
How can the patient get involved?
Depending on the dementia patient’s diagnosis, the patient could get involved in taking part actively in the gardening or can even be involved by directing what needs to be done! The fact that they are being able to vocalise their thoughts, or have a say will help them feel a part of the project.
Which plants should we plant?
Smells and aromatherapy can have a positive impact on the dementia patient, so if you are wondering which plants to add to a garden space, understand some of the patient’s history. There may be some plants and smells which hold a particular feeling or emotion for the dementia patient. Similarly the use of grasses, lavenders and different materials which the patient can run their hands over, or through, may support their enjoyment of the garden and help to encourage them to communicate.
Aim for a mixture of plants that have strong smells, or that you have to rub to get the smell, such as sage or rosemary. Look for opportunities to plant trees or shrubs that fruit such as apple or pear trees, strawberry or tomato plants.
Gardening is good for the mind
The activity of gardening has been shown to have positive effects on the mind. It can help to reduce levels of anxiety as well as provide a good level of exercise. Gardening activities can encourage dementia patients to engage with people socially. It is an activity that the dementia patient can get involved in, even help with some planning as to plants or layout. This sense of decision making can help them to feel more in control also.
