A colourful oasis which taps into the life passions of the residents
By Mary Dennehy
TO MARK the start of World Alzheimer Month, the Echo met with residents of the TLC nursing home in Citywest to learn about a new therapeutic garden that enhances the wellbeing and independence of people living with dementia.
Sponsored by the TLC nursing group, the Dementia Garden was created for the Bloom festival in June, after which it was dismantled and replanted at TLC in Citywest.
Research into what elements should be included in the therapeutic space was carried out by TrinityHaus at TCD, with the findings transformed into a dementia garden by landscaping specialists Newtown Saunders Ltd.
The Echo spent some time in the garden with the residents of TLC to learn about the benefits of the garden, which is a relaxing and colourful oasis filled with traditional plants and a diverse selection of herbs.
Michael Walsh, from Walkinstown, was one resident who popped out to speak with The Echo and he spoke of his love for the colours and scents within the garden.
An avid gardener, Michael spent a lot of time over the years working in his own garden at home, with the dementia garden tapping into one of the life passions of the former Louis Copeland worker.
Amanda Adams, the activities co-ordinator in the nursing home, said: “Michael’s garden was his project when he was at home, he loved his garden and grew all types of flowers and had cabbage and herb patches.
“When Michael comes out to our garden it reminds him of his own garden and he loves to look at and smell the flowers and herbs.”
She added: “As activities co-ordinator, the dementia garden really is an amazing asset for residents.
“It’s a very relaxing space that engages and stimulates residents, and sometimes even sparks a sing-song when we are sitting out here in the sunshine.”
As the sun shone down on the well-kept garden, which was heavily scented with lavender, camomile and jasmine, Linda Kearns, the Director of Nursing at TLC Citywest, spoke to The Echo about the important role of the garden in encouraging residents to ‘teach’ and pass on their knowledge.
“The garden has proven to be very rewarding for many residents, as they can come out and work in the garden and water the plants, which many of them like as they feel they are working rather than doing an activity,” Ms Kearns said.
“They also teach staff about the different plants and herbs, which shows there is lots that people with dementia can teach us if they are engaged… and encouraged to feel that they do have a purpose.”
She added: “We asked residents recently to come up with a name for the garden and they chose Forget me Not, which is perfect as it reminds us not to forget the person.
“People may change when they have dementia, but they still have a life story and we have to remember that.”
According to Ms Kearns, the garden taps into all of the senses and, despite being designed for people living with dementia, its design is universal – with staff and family members also enjoying the space and the positive interaction and engagement that it supports.
TLC hopes that its dementia garden will inspire other nursing homes and services to create a similar space.
September is World Alzheimer Month. Visit www.alzheimer.ie for more.
