LIVING WITH DEMENTIA – THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING ACTIVE
BENEFITS OF GETTING OUT IN THE FRESH AIR
Many of our elderly clients, particularly those living with dementia, benefit from getting out in the fresh air. One of our clients enjoys a walk along the beach with her dog accompanied by her Otus live-in carer nearly every day. Not everyone is close to a beach but many older people who are being cared for in their own homes do have a garden. Yes, help is often needed to keep a garden in shape but pottering in the garden can have a really positive effect on health for everyone.
Gardening at home can be a great way for people living with dementia to stay active and improve their wellbeing. If you don’t have a garden a walk to a local park or any open space can be just as beneficial.
A short walk around a garden can be a great way to alleviate stress and anxiety, as well as being a healthy way to fill the longer days during summer, thus helping to alleviate boredom. Taking part (if possible) in a physical activity such as gardening can help to stimulate the senses and memory, improving all round wellbeing. The Alzheimer’s Society – www.alzheimers.org.uk – offers many tips for people living with dementia to help them enjoy gardens and gardening. Here are a few examples:
• Sowing seeds into pots or beds can offer a sense of achievement as the plants grow, blossom and bloom. Choose plants to help stimulate the senses such as smell and touch. Avoid anything that is toxic to eat, or with thorns. Lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantine) for example, feels like velvet to the touch or fragrant bicolour Carnations (Dianthus) are brightly coloured and will fill the air with a lovely perfume.
• A water feature could help stimulate a person’s senses including sight and sound, as well as touch (if safe). It could also spark memories and encourage conversation. Listening to the sounds of a water feature can be soothing as well.
• ‘Rewilding’ an area of the garden to create a wildlife corner adds interest. Even consider leaving a small area of the garden alone – no mowing, trimming or weeding – watch and talk about what thrives and grows and the insects that visit.
• As long as overseen, small tasks in the garden can be undertaken by an older person, including someone who is living with dementia. Watering plants and deadheading or indeed harvesting produce can give a person a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
• And when the weather is favourable, what better than to enjoy lunch, afternoon tea or even supper outside. A picnic can be very relaxing and potentially bring back positive memories of times past. Experiencing picnic foods whilst sitting in the fresh air amongst the flowers in the garden is good for everyone’s soul.
Many Otus clients are elderly and living with some level of dementia. That’s why only carers who can clearly demonstrate that they have a minimum of two years’ experience caring for clients living with dementia, are considered when they apply to join our register.
Whether you have an immediate need or are just thinking about future planning around the care for a loved one, we are always happy to share advice. Everyone on the Otus team is a ‘Dementia Friend’ and would be happy to help in any way we can, without obligation. Our number is 01403 710119.