It's amazing what being outside can do for a person's mood and health.
For residents with memory troubles, there's a new place to spend time outside and get some fresh air at Friendship Retirement Community.
At a first glance it may look like a typical outdoor space with tables, chairs, benches and a walking path, but this garden is unique. "It can be a mood changing environment," said Cheyenne Barton, Director of Activities at Friendship Retirement Community in Roanoke County.
She's talking about the new Wandering Garden that opened there last month. "It's very peaceful out here. It's relaxing," said Barton.
The garden was designed specifically for residents with alzheimer's disease or dementia. Every detail was taken into account. Every plant is non toxic.
"It's all safe for the residents so if anything is accidentally ingested or consumed they would be safe," Barton said.
The pathways are level and wide to prevent falls. Even the concrete has a color tint to it. That's meant to prevent glare when the sun hits the pathway, because Alzheimer's and dementia patients can have diminished vision.
When there's a glare they could think it's water or if it's too dark, they could think it's a hole, said Sue VanHousen, Administrator at Friendship Retirement Community.
The garden also has two flower planters where residents can plant flowers, pull weeds and watch the flowers grow, which is all therapeutic, according to Barton.
Bird houses and bird feeders are put out in the warm weather months. Residents can fill the feeders with seed and place the feeders outside their window.
"If we were to put ourselves in their situation and you're in the healthcare facility day after day and you never get outside," said VanHousen. "This is unbelievable for their spirit."
The exercise also helps keep residents healthier. "They feel better. Their whole attitude is different," said VanHousen. "They might eat better. They might sleep better."
Because everything in the garden is safe and residents are in a secure area it gives them more independence when they are outside. Family members can also come and visit residents and spend time with them in the garden.
"They get outside. They get the wind and the sunshine. Those things are so important to their care and how they feel," said Barton. "It just does them a world of good."
