Therapeutic gardens as we age
by Mary Trainer, Master Gardener
The therapeutic value of gardens and gardening to our health and well-being never stops as we age. For older Canadians who have had to move from homes where they once tended much-loved gardens, the loss can be devastating. Perhaps no longer physically or mentally able to garden, they have downsized to live in facilities while mourning the absence of a rhubarb patch or the fragrance of a lilac.
Many public and privately-run facilities recognize this loss, and provide opportunities for residents to reclaim some of what they miss or to enjoy new gardening activities. One such facility is the Summerland Seniors Village, which is home to just over 200 residents who live independently or in assisted living or in long-term care.
Opened in 2006, the facility is tucked under the north side of Giant’s Head Mountain. It includes two courtyards for long-term care residents and one courtyard for independent/assisted living. They are all beautifully landscaped with shaded seating areas, trees, shrubs and flowers bordering pathways.
At the beginning of every gardening season, independent and assisted living residents can sign up to plant and maintain their own garden box. They are taken to a garden centre where they enthusiastically pick out what they’d like to grow.
On a tour I had in early September, the gardening boxes were still showy and brimming with petunias, tomatoes, sunflowers and more. A herb garden alongside is used by the kitchen staff.
The residents hand water their individual boxes. Countless benefits, including the physical aspect of lifting up and pouring is something they might not otherwise do.
Boxes are wheelchair height so residents can easily get their hands right in the dirt or appreciate various scents.
“Overall, there is a high level of interest. About 75% of people who move in loved gardening,” says Stuart Loop, the therapeutic recreation manager.
“Tending these gardens gives residents purpose and something to do.
One particular garden-loving resident tends to them daily.
“People who have caregiver personality traits like looking after gardens. Something as simple as caring for a pot of flowers can give them a lot of purpose. Many people find weeding therapeutic as well.
“There’s a wide array of benefits to the resident gardeners, whether that’s smell, touch or sight. When caring for dementia residents, you want to touch on as many senses as you can, to help spark memories, for example.”
Gardening activities can help to create a sense of community, as it often requires collaboration that results in social interaction. Shared activities can help reduce social barriers, perhaps leading to new friendships.
The garden for long-term residents is jointly looked after by residents and recreation staff. “We like to get dementia residents outside for fresh air,” says Stuart. “There’s a lot of agitation that goes along with dementia, so just being in a garden can help reduce that agitation.”
“We do wellness walks here in the gardens. Even if residents are not verbal, they smell the flowers and this experience can put a smile of their faces,” he adds.
Earlier this year, a new gardening activity involving germination was launched. Residents decided what they’d like to grow, and then, with the help of volunteers who set up trays, residents put seeds in trays ― an action to encourage fine motor skills ― and monitored them for a month before planting.
There are no volunteers who solely volunteer in the gardens. Summerland Seniors Village employs a gardener on site from March to October, and welcomes volunteers for general garden care. A Master Gardener with knowledge of what seeds to plant and where to plant them would be particularly helpful for the germination program.
At this facility, resources are dedicated to supporting gardens and gardening activities, which greatly benefit residents’ well-being. The level of garden amenities may vary among other facilities in the province, depending on their funding models and available resources.
To discover more about the value of therapeutic gardens, refer to Jennifer Jewell’s excellent article on the Pacific Horticulture website: Pacific Horticulture | Therapeutic Gardens.
