Stepping Out, Or Bringing The Outside In

At Caring Homes, we want residents to have the best possible quality of life, and that includes the independence to enjoy their days and feel a sense of fulfilment. Our homes are designed to make this possible – in their layout, the décor, the integration of technology and the ambiance we create.

The Great Outdoors in Many Forms

Then there’s outside space – gardens, balconies and terraces that bring an extra element of wellbeing to residents, and those living with dementia can benefit on many levels from access to the outdoors.

A sense of freedom and personal autonomy is something that we are always trying to encourage for residents living with dementia, and homes with gardens, and gardening as an activity, can be especially helpful. The scents, colours and textures found outdoors are a wonderful complement to the dementia care inside the homes, evoking calmness, pleasure and sometimes also helping with reminiscence. Some of our care homes are able to enhance the connection with nature even further, with direct access to private space from the residents’ rooms.

The Importance of Light and Space in a Dementia Environment

Tarring Manor has a dedicated dementia neighbourhood, and the communal balconies at either end feed in natural light at all times. Fourteen rooms also have private balconies overlooking the gardens and as well as enjoying the view, there are other benefits. Home Manager Karen explained, “Even if your world is quite small when you live with dementia, you can still feel the presence of the outdoors.” Karen also said that on occasions when a resident might be feeling agitated, having a room that feels open, light and spacious because of the balcony, is really helpful in generating a feeling of calm.

Designed for Accessibility and a Treat for the Senses

Tarring’s garden areas are beautifully designed, and they are accessible and safe for all. The garden paths are made of resin which makes the surface really even and there are many stopping areas with seating, and strategically placed bird feeders. Karen added, “We have a gardening club, which many residents enjoy, and a greenhouse and shed. There’s an area where residents can grow vegetables and some wide planters which have been built at a height that accommodates residents in wheelchairs who want to do their own gardening”.

At Broadbridge Park, the main garden area is full of sensory type plants - so visual, colourful, scented or tactile – which makes everything in the garden very dementia specific.

Communal Space and the Joy of Outdoor Gatherings

Outside space and proximity to the great outdoors is also great for sociability. The ground floor lounge at Tarring Manor is popular all year round with residents because its floor to ceiling windows look out beyond the home’s garden border directly onto Tarring Park. Chairs are regularly turned outwards so that residents can line the windows and watch the activity in the park. Local dog walkers are so used to residents waving from the lounge, they have offered to bring their dogs into the home for some canine interaction!

Many of our homes have communal balconies for residents to sit out on, or large covered patio areas in the gardens which are in constant use during the summer months for gatherings and events. It’s safe to say that the opportunity to enjoy peaceful time surrounded by nature or to engage with others in an outdoor setting – especially when the sun shows its face – is often a source of happiness and wellbeing for our residents and can have tangible benefits for those living with dementia.