Dementia/Special Needs Gardens
Currently in the UK, around 700,000 people have Dementia. By 2021, this will increase to approximately 1 million and by 2051, to 1.8 million.
1.3% of people in the UK aged between 65-70 have Dementia, increasing to over 20% for those over 85 years old.
A person suffering from Dementia has low levels of being part of any enjoyable activity and therefore it is important that methods are put in place to stimulate activity and a more holistic approach has a greater chance of success.
This may take many forms such as social contact, communication, reminiscence, creative activity, mental stimulation, etc. One such activity can be the physical action of pottering about in the garden, being outside and enjoying a natural environment.
It is well understood that Sensory Gardens address many of these points by stimulating the senses of touch, sight, sound and smell, as well as taste. This is provided more often than not by the plants, although hard landscape can play a part in this, as well as water, as long as it is safe to do so.
However, particularly for the young with special needs, this may soon become boring due to lack of organised activity and stimulation or, more to the point, excitement, resulting in such gardens not being used to the full. Sometimes, part of the reason for this is the management and poorly trained staff who see such areas as places to sit residents in the open for a short period.
We at TLA believe that the use of modern technology should be more readily used. Whilst some equipment may be prohibitive, the use of external garden speakers, servo’s to move plants to a pre programmed computer, lighting and even stage equipment, as used in modern performances, can greatly lift a garden and provide added stimulation. There are many new ideas for providing sensory stimulation and specialist niche care i.e. specially moulded tiles to attach to walls for touch, or lighting for those with poor eyesight.
But not all gardens need to be active, as some Dementia sufferers like to just sit and relax in the garden in a passive manner. To merely create a Sensory Garden as such can greatly miss the full potential of the area and might not always meet the needs of the individual.
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