The benefits of gardening
Whether you have a green thumb or not, gardening has proven to have many benefits for a person’s wellbeing. Not only does it encourage physical activity, it also provides the opportunity to interact with others. This all contributes to improving a person’s overall quality of life.
Here at Rowallan House, we encourage our residents to spend time in our beautifully landscaped gardens as much as they wish. Read on to learn more about the benefits of gardening and the dedicated section we have for our green-fingered residents at our cosy residential care in Chadwell Heath, Romford.
How does gardening help?
Gardening offers many physical and emotional benefits. First of all, it enhances physical activity in a creative way and helps people be more engaged by promoting social interaction. Caring for plants encourages the use of the whole body which can improve dexterity, strengthen bones and joints, and reduce the risk of high blood pressure. It also exposes people to a natural source of vitamin D which is an important part of preserving good health, so long as protective measures are taken to avoid overexposure.
In addition, the sheer joy of gardening and the time spent outside can have a positive impact on a person’s mood. It’s not uncommon for people who garden to experience reduced levels of anxiety or depression and enjoy a more relaxed state of mind.
Gardening and dementia
In particular, gardening is beneficial for people living with dementia. It stimulates their senses, makes them feel valued and helpful, and provides a sense of purpose. Being involved can help them reap the physical, social, and cognitive benefits of gardening. For example, having a specific job in the garden such as planting helps improve attention span. Gardening can also restore a person’s confidence by giving them responsibility and allowing them to take control.
In addition, the social benefits of working in a garden can help combat the feelings of loneliness or isolation often experienced by people living with dementia. It’s a wonderful way to keep the brain active by encouraging the development of new skills while simultaneously being a reminiscent experience.
Enjoying our accessible garden
Living in a care home shouldn’t mean that you have to give up your hobbies or way of life. Here at Rowallan House, we pride ourselves on having a beautifully landscaped garden for our residents and their families to enjoy. We encourage our green-fingered residents to enjoy time outside as much as possible and get involved in caring for our flowers. Participating in tasks such as watering the flowers, pulling out weeds, or other low maintenance jobs can give you a newfound appreciation for nature as you enjoy the fruits of your labour with the other residents. And if gardening simply isn’t for you, don’t worry: you can always enjoy a lovely stroll amongst the flowerbeds, soaking up the fresh air.
Get in touch
If you or your loved one would like to experience the joys of our garden, we would love to welcome you into our cosy home. Please do not hesitate to get in touch or contact us on 0800 999 8499 or 0208 597 4175 to speak to our friendly staff. We will be pleased to answer any of your questions or provide more information.