Enjoying the Garden at our Care Homes

Spring has arrived with the Vernal Equinox today and the longer days and warmer temperatures mean that our residents will be able to enjoy the garden spaces at our care homes. It’s the season where flowers will be blooming and everywhere starts to look greener.

The outdoor space at Hilton House care home is an important part of creating a relaxing and friendly environment.

The Benefits of Garden Space at Care Homes

Regardless of our age, spending time outside is beneficial to our health, general well being and helps to regulate our circadian rhythms. This is our bodies’ natural ebb and flow of energy throughout the day which enables us to sleep at night and be alert in the day. We need exposure to sunlight to create vitamin D. Helping us to absorb calcium for stronger bones and strengthening our immune systems.

Spending time outside in a garden lifts our mood. In some cases, people living with dementia find gardens a relaxing environment. Away from busy and noisier places, this becomes their haven of tranquillity. Plants, flowers and outdoors stimulating memories and prompt them to communicate about past experiences and memories.

Gardens at our care homes are also spaces for socialising outside. During the summer months, we may have a barbecue or afternoon tea.

Keeping Active at Lovett Care

Keeping active is an important part of life at Lovett Care Homes. The garden is the perfect place for this. Carrying out simple tasks like weeding and watering raised beds and displays is a way for residents to contribute to care home life.

They may have tended and enjoyed their own garden before joining us. The gentle exercise of this activity is good for strengthening muscles to assist with balance, sitting, and standing. Doing this in pairs or as part of a small group fosters friendships and fun which is good for preventing a sense of isolation.

To find out more about our activities and life in our care homes, please contact us.