Residents and staff at Oak Manor, a large former farmhouse in the rural village of Old Scarning specially adapted to provide care and support to 63 elderly people with dementia, are delighted with the recent opening of a new £12,500 sensory garden.
Moving into a care home can be a daunting stepping stone, and it is important to make the transition as seamless and comfortable as possible. One of the things that can be missed most after the move is the privacy of a private garden, where many people may have previously spent hours gardening, relaxing or entertaining. Staff at Oak Manor recognised the potential benefits a garden could have for residents, and decided to create a new dynamic garden. Now, after a month of hard work and anticipation, the garden offers residents a safe and secure place for companionship or to exercise some therapeutic gardening, as well as a common interest for friends and relatives.
Created in the shape of a sundial, the sensory garden gives a delightful central focus to the grounds. Pergolas provide attractive seating areas to relax and unwind, whilst ramps ensure that the garden is accessible to all. Residents are involved with the watering, weeding and tending to plants, which ensures that each one of the senses is stimulated throughout the seasons, and being involved in these activities contributes to an increased sense of self-worth and improved well-being for all residents at the home.
Sensory gardens have proven therapeutic values, enabling people with dementia a space to exercise and enjoy nature, whilst providing a safe and stimulating environment that can help to improve their recall. Soothing water features and fragrant plants create a tranquil ambiance, and allow those with sensory impairments to experience the garden through smell, touch and sound.
Shaun Morrisey, manager of Oak Manor says: “We are lucky to have such large gardens; it is known that gardening can provide a range of health benefits to those with dementia, including reduced stress. The opening of the new sensory garden will help us to further enrich the everyday lives of those at Oak Manor, providing residents with a garden which helps to support their individual needs, whether it be a private solace or a place to socialise.“