Planning an Alzheimer’s Garden
April 8, 2008 by Mary Emma Allen
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
“See the pretty flowers!” Mother exclaimed, as my grandchildren wheeled her outside the nursing home on paths among the flowers.
Many Alzheimer’s patients planted and tended gardens in former days, whether large ones for growing food or flower gardens around the home. With the coming of spring (in the northern hemisphere), our thoughts turn to gardening, planting, flowers and vegetables. So these might bring back memories for those afflicted with Alzheimer’s.
Many nursing homes nowadays design the exterior areas with gardens, pathways, sitting areas for Alzheimer’s patients and visitors to explore. When a friend’s mother resided in a nursing home, she helped care for the small enclosed flower graden area. She had enjoyed gardening in her pre-Alzheimer’s life and thought she was back home in her own garden.
Here’s a very interesting article about Erik Jorgensen, who specializes in therapeutic gardens, especially Alzheimer’s gardens.
A brief description from the article by Michelle Christianson:
The garden should be calm and peaceful but have many sources of stimulation: brightly colored flowers with pleasant scents, plants and pathways with varied textures. Often Jorgensen includes water features or wind chimes, as well as feeders that attract birds and other wildlife.
Alzheimer’s gardens don’t have to be restricted to nursing homes and assisted living residences. Why not incorporate a small area around your home? When my mom stayed with us, my husband put up a bird feeder. Even though I couldn’t let her wander outside without me, she enjoyed watching the birds daily through the patio window.
Have you had experiences with Alzheimer’s patients and gardens? Share them with us!
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen
