Incorporating Time Outdoors into Dementia Care
Dementia care requires a multi-faceted approach. We like to encourage a balanced method to this at our residential dementia care homes. This includes spending time outside regularly. Now that the clocks have changed, and the days are lengthening, the signs of Spring have got us thinking of how our residents and staff can enjoy our garden spaces during the warmer months of the year. For those with dementia or Alzheimer’s, this has many positives. Research has indicated people’s health improves with as little as 10 to 15 minutes of activity a day outside.
Physical Benefits to Health
Fresh air and gentle exercise, in the form of a walk or gardening tasks, such as tending to planters and weeding raised beds has many good physical consequences. Experiencing daylight generates vitamin D which is good for our energy levels, skin and bones. Gentle exercise helps with coordination, strengthens muscles and keeps people supple. This makes other tasks like washing, bathing and getting dressed easier and reduces the risk of falls. Our garden spaces are ideal for residents and their relatives to spend time outside together when the weather is nice. Even sitting and reading or just chatting outside has positive effects on the eyes which respond better to natural light, especially as we age.
Psychological Benefits to Health
Experiencing time outdoors is a boost to the spirits. People with conditions like dementia can sometimes become confused and irritated. Being able to go outside, get some fresh air and time away from communal areas indoors can help people to calm down as part of their dementia care routine. Going outdoors allows for mood enhancement, while stress levels are lowered due to the calming influence of experiencing natural elements like the warmth of the sun, the breeze wafting, or watching birds feeding.
Social Benefits
Spending time outside with friends and family stops the onset of isolation and loneliness. Enjoying communal events like barbecues and picnics keeps residents socially active. It is important that they can foster friendships and still feel connected to the environment outside as they age.
Personalised Dementia Care Programmes
Due to how everyone experiences the condition in different ways, the complexities associated with the symptoms need a personalised approach to care. Residents at Hilton House will have a dementia care plan tailored to meet their requirements so that they can live a fulfilling life during their time in our care. This is regularly reviewed and adapted according to their situation.
Our Dementia Care Environment is Rated Good
Lovett Care is delighted that following a recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission, that Hilton House has been rated as “Good”. This reflects the hard work, commitment, and care shown by the team. To find out more about life at our dementia care homes, please contact us today.