Care home gardens have 'promising' therapeutic potential for dementia residents

Accessing gardens and outdoor spaces can reduce levels of agitation in care home residents living with dementia.

A research team has measured the benefits spending time in gardens has for people with dementia to help care homes use their outdoor space to provide more wellbeing opportunities for residents.

Based on critical reviews from 17 pieces of research, a team from the University of Exeter Medical School found outdoor spaces promote relaxation, encourage activity and hold promising therapeutic potential for those with Alzheimer’s disease.

Almost half of people living in a residential or nursing home are currently living with dementia and these homes are being urged to maximise the use of garden areas to improve the quality of life for these residents in particular.

The study’s lead researcher, Rebecca Whear said:

“There is an increasing interest in improving dementia symptoms without the use of drugs. We think that gardens could be benefitting dementia sufferers by providing them with sensory stimulation and an environment that triggers memories. They not only present an opportunity to relax in a calming setting, but also to remember skills and habits that have brought enjoyment in the past.”

Gardens were also found to be important places for visitors and family members to meet and have meaningful interactions with residents, stimulating reminiscence therapy and encouraging residents to talk about some of their memories.

Dr Ruth Garside, one of the paper’s authors, said more research needs to be done in this area to ensure policy makers appreciate the value of gardens and outdoor spaces.

She said: “There’s a lot we don’t know about how a garden’s design and setting influences its ability to affect wellbeing, yet it’s clear that these spaces need to offer a range of ways of interacting – to suit different people’s preferences and needs. We want to pursue these answers to ensure that care experiences can be maximised for sufferers of dementia, their carers and families.”