Gardening has shown to be great for everyone, but is especially beneficial for people living with dementia:
It helps with fitness – regular gardening, like any exercise, can help prevent type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and other illnesses associated with ageing
It can help reduce the likelihood of falls – bending, stretching etc are great for mobility, balance and spatial awareness
It helps with anxiety and low mood
Studies show it can help ward off stress and stress-related illnesses
It’s flexible and accessible and something that can be done with others – or enjoyed alone
Spending time in nature has been shown to have a positive effect on memory
Planning and nurturing a garden grows a sense of optimism and purpose – gardeners are always looking ahead – and transforming a natural space brings a sense of wellbeing
It provides the opportunity to learn something new, which is good for wellbeing
It’s good for all the senses – which is stimulating for the brain
It can add a sense of routine to the week
Connecting with wildlife is a joyful experience
Gardening with dementia
If the person you’re caring for is a keen gardener, encourage them to keep going. There are jobs they can do now that will help them to carrying on gardening in future and things you can do to help support them.
Even if they’re not green fingered at all, now is a great time to start. Being outdoors, especially in the morning, brings so many benefits to those living with dementia and dementia symptoms, many linked with improved sleep quality at night.
Here are some tips:
Plant a variety of shrubs, herbs, plants and flowers that bring colour, scent, texture and interest.
Think about adding plants and features that attract wildlife to a garden e.g. purple flowers to attract bees and insect hotels and small log piles in a corner to encourage other insects.
Bird feeders will bring feathered friends in. Add a bird bath for the hotter months.
Add raised beds to make plants easier to access in coming years.
Consider adding a small water feature like a fountain – they’re great for the senses and might help to trigger happy memories from the past – they’re also relaxing and create a sense of peace.
Do some research so you avoid planting anything toxic or spiky that could cause harm.
Tidy the garden up to remove trip hazards. Make sure the garden is secure – add padlocks to gates and keep locks well maintained into the future.
No garden, no problem
Even without a garden, people who are living with dementia can still enjoy the benefits that gardening brings.
Window boxes, potted plants outside the door or on a balcony all need thought and attention, including watering, feeding and pruning. Indoor gardening can still bring joy – why not encourage the person you’re caring for to try:
* growing herbs on a window sill from seed
*creating interesting pots to make features for shelves and bathrooms
*experimenting with potted succulents
It's also worth asking friends or family if they need any help with their gardening jobs, or perhaps offer suggest the person you’re supporting lends a hand on an allotment or join a gardening club or social club with access to gardens.
You can also see if charities in your area need volunteers to help manage gardens and outdoor areas, such as local hospices or the National Trust. Or try your local Green Gym who organise volunteer groups to manage outdoor spaces nationwide.
The great thing with gardening is that you don’t need any specialist gardening knowledge or expertise to enjoy the benefits. Pruning, weeding, planting and painting garden furniture are all easy ways to get involved.
Find gardening clubs and activities in your area here