Dementia Sufferers Could Benefit From Gardening

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Dementia Sufferers Could Benefit From Gardening
We all know how excellent we feel after a spot of gardening and now it is thought this green leisure activity can help individuals who are experiencing dementia.

The combination of fresh air, exercising, sense of achievement and being surrounded by nature, all contribute to a person's well-being when gardening.

Jeremy Hughes, Alzheimer's Society chief executive said: "A garden can help people coping with dementia. They can take pleasure in socialising, along with taking part in exercise and stimulating the senses, all of which considerably improve their well-being.".

In addition to getting a general sense of well-being, dementia suffers typically profit from the regular nature of gardening - oftening plants, sowing and watering, and harvesting. These activities provide structure to a person's day and make them feel in control, along with helping them make sense of the world around them. Gardening can also improve individuals' fine motor skills and spatial awareness, reports the Herts and Essex Observer.

Those with start dementia can also profit from gardening, for all the same reasons plus the reality such tasks can help replace the patterns from when the individuals worked.

Jill Walton, support group co-ordinator at the Frontotemporal Dementia Support Group, which offers support and assistance to carers of young people with dementia, said: "Younger people with dementia want and need activities which are stimulating, meeting and productive due to the fact that they are still seeking activities which resemble the office model.".

A recent survey performed by Homebase disclosed that 83 % of dementia sufferers want to stay in their own homes for as long as they can. This is why taking advantage of their gardens can prove so useful. The charity Thrive, which supports horticultural therapy, suggests keeping the garden basic yet appealing for those with dementia - for example, having paths that don't unexpectedly end is an excellent idea, such as a loop, and places to sit are optimal also. Make certain there are garden benches or a table with parasol near picturesque parts of the individual's garden, and centerpieces are located in the shade and away from the elements.

When it pertains to planting, naturally you should pick very carefully to stay clear of any toxic or prickly plants which can hurt people with dementia. Instead, select intriguing plants like lavender and rosemary, and if possible include the individual suffering from dementia in the decision making process, as some plants could evoke childhood memories and develop a sense of protection and happiness.


In addition to getting a general sense of well-being, dementia suffers typically perk from the regular nature of gardening - often tending to plants, sowing and watering, and harvesting. A recent survey performed by Homebase disclosed that 83 % of dementia sufferers want to live in their own homes for as long as they can. The charity Thrive, which supports horticultural therapy, suggests keeping the garden basic yet appealing for those with dementia - for example, having paths that don't unexpectedly end is an excellent idea, such as a loop, and places to sit are optimal.