Residents At Mellish House Flex Their Green Fingers With Grow My Wellbeing
When winter seems everlasting and it’s too early to look for the first signs of spring, there’s nothing nicer than bringing the outside in with healthy plants and cheerful pots!
The choice of activities at Mellish House Care Home is led by the residents and a visit from Grow My Wellbeing, with a session run by Chantal, is always high on the list of requests.
Houseplants can Reduce Stress and Boost our Moods
Grow My Wellbeing was set up with a mission: to share the benefits to mental health that houseplants can bring – especially important for those who have limited access to the outdoors. Studies have shown that plants can reduce stress levels and boost our moods – so what better way to spend time than choosing, potting, and learning to care for a plant of your own.
Chantal arrived fully kitted out for the recent planting workshop and set up the table with pots, soil, paints and a selection of plants for the residents to choose from. Immediately, the earthy smell of the soil and the sight of vibrant green leaves brought nature into the room, as the residents worked through the steps of mixing soil, planting and watering, before turning to pot decoration!
The Wellbeing and Sensory Benefits of a Planting Workshop
These planting workshops are as much about wellbeing as they are an activity session, and they have so many benefits, particularly for an individual with dementia. Residents are encouraged to make their own choices, to take control and to relax, enjoying all the sensory benefits brought by the feel of soft soils and succulent leaves.
The Mellish residents were incredibly proud of their creations. William looked at his carefully potted plant afterwards and said, in disbelief, “I did that.”
Residents Grace, Maureen and Marlene said they’re already looking forward to the next session. In the meantime, the group can enjoy the sense of achievement and the responsibility of caring for their plants and helping them to thrive – a positive purpose and an interaction with nature that brings a sense of wellbeing as well as a cheerful splash of colour!
Discover Mellish House Care Home
Mellish House Care Home, situated near Sudbury in Suffolk, provides residential and specialist dementia care in a fresh, bright and comfortable environment. The home offers care that is tailored to individual needs, interests and preferences, and a team who are committed to delivering the very best. If you would like to learn more about the types of care and services available from Caring Homes, please visit our website page. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or would like to learn more.
