Dementia residents can stimulate their senses in safe and colourful outdoor space

A £10,000 scheme has been completed to transform the gardens of Brookdale Nursing Home, in Kidderminster, in order to allow clients with dementia to enjoy all the benefits of sensory surroundings.

Taking four months to complete, the garden is now open to residents and includes many additions to help support those with memory loss. As well as a superb range of lavender and honeysuckle flowers and plants, the garden also has its own water feature, walkway, outdoor furniture and solar lighting.

Manager Liz Baker is delighted with the results, saying: “Dementia patients do not want to spend their lives indoors any more than anyone else would so our new garden has provided them with such a wonderful space.

“Getting outdoors, enjoying the sights, sounds and smells, does wonders for people living with conditions such as dementia. They can be powerful triggers for memories and that makes them essential tools for people who may otherwise have difficulty.

“Although the garden has only just been finished our residents are already enjoying using it.

“We have worked hard to introduce the right planting, comfortable seating and even the lighting so everyone can enjoy the space as much as possible. It is a big hit with our residents who have also got involved in every last detail with our activities co-ordinator, Lucy Isaacs.

“With summer here it’s perfect timing for residents to be outside and really enjoy the garden. It has added a whole new dimension for what we can offer residents.”

Funding for the garden was assisted by Worcestershire County Council after the home was successful in picking up a prestigious Dementia Standard award, with an official opening and garden fete to take place later in the month.