Sensory Gardens
Aged Care and Dementia Specific Sensory Gardens
Matthew O’Grady Landscape Designs are passionate about improving the quality of life for those living in aged care facilities, particularly those living with dementia. These sensory gardens promote a healthier mind, body and spirit, empowering residents, their families and staff. The results are amazing.
Designing Dementia Specific Sensory Gardens
Matthew and his team of landscapers, along with dementia consultants, create dementia friendly outdoor environments to promote health and well being. These environments promote and support the connections between families and friends of people suffering from dementia. Each sensory garden is designed to help reduce agitation and aggression, promote discovery, curiosity and independence as well as assist in reclaiming long term memories.
While many gardens offer visual appeal, the dementia garden is a sensory garden designed to stimulate all five senses to convey emotional support, affection and respect. Each garden includes interactive features that will bring people together such as men’s sheds, raised garden beds, vegetable and flower gardens, (safe) water elements, bird feeders and bird baths. Gardens can be planted with seasonal plants which are familiar to the residents. Colour is also used to heighten senses. Produce from the garden can be used for flower arrangements and cooking.
Safety is of course paramount. Gardens feature wide, level, well defined circular paths, obvious entry and exit points, discreet but sturdy handrails or seating for rest, balance and easy movement through the garden. Planting of shade providing trees is incorporated in overall design.
The options are endless and Matthew O’Grady Landscape Designs works with staff and residents when designing their sensory garden.
Sensory Gardens Gallery
Sensory Gardens benefit everyone
Gardens encourage residents to be outdoors, to be more active and benefits their emotional and physical health. These beautiful therapeutic gardens also benefit the aged care facility staff as well as the residents’ family and friends.
