How Gardening Promotes Well-Being for people Living with Dementia

There’s something special about getting your hands in the soil, especially in our sunburnt country. Gardening can be a wonderful way for people living with dementia to connect with nature and themselves. Here’s how:

1. Sensory Stimulation
Plant fragrant native plants like lavender, lemon myrtle, or rosemary. These scents can evoke positive feelings and provide a calming sensory experience.

2. A Little Bit of Responsibility
Caring for pot plants or veggie patches gives people a sense of purpose. Watching parsley sprout or tomatoes ripen can be incredibly rewarding.

3. Light Physical Activity
Simple tasks like watering with a hose or planting seeds can keep people gently active without overexertion.

4. A Slice of Aussie Outdoors
Setting up a safe, shaded outdoor area with native plants and comfy seating encourages residents to spend more time outside enjoying the fresh air.

Tips for Inclusive Gardening:

• Use raised garden beds for easier access.
• Include lightweight, easy-to-hold tools.
• Ensure pathways are slip-resistant and wide enough for mobility aids.

Gardening activities foster a sense of achievement and connection to the natural world, making it a fantastic choice for people of all abilities.