Gardening Tips for Seniors with Dementia

​​Gardeners are grabbing their gloves and getting back into the soil. Melody Living Lake in the Hills’ memory care community caregivers created a list of reasons why Horticultural Therapy is great for your senior loved one living with dementia.
 
Getting Dirty
It is impossible to plant an herb garden without digging your hands in the dirt. Studies show the "dirty" microbes in dirt may curb anxiety and boost brain function. The act of preparing the soil is

​stimulating for seniors. They benefit from using their motor skills to break up the soil. Picking up tiny basil, oregano, rosemary, and mint seeds and placing them in the soil is also a good challenge for motor skills. These practices also support our senior living community’s dedication to physical wellness for our residents.

​Following Directions
Gardening is a step-by-step process that takes time and persistence on a weekly and monthly basis. Encourage daily visits to gardens, a time when your senior loved one can water their sprouts or simply enjoy the aromas of flowering plants around them.. “For people who are living with dementia, well-being is also tied to the ability to enjoy familiar activities, which cultivate a feeling of comfort. Garden therapy is at the top of that list,” according to the Alzheimer’s Society.
 
The Harvest
Indoor herb garden are a great way to support your loved one living with dementia. In fact, studies show seniors feel a sense of accomplishment when their herbs are ready to harvest. This feeling provides a boost in self-esteem, and supports intellectual wellness. For example, fresh herbs stimulate the senses through taste, smell, touch, and even what they look like by promoting environmental wellness. The natural smells of the herbs are a wonderful conversation topic for senior gardeners and the herbs can be used in a variety of ways. For instance, a mint leaf can be added to your iced tea or fresh basil to a homemade soup or sauce recipe.

​To learn more about our engaging community calendar at Melody Living Lake in the Hills’ memory care community, feel free to give us a call at 847.957.7070.