The beneficial effects of gardening, particularly for elderly people, are widely known and residents of Mundy House Care Home have enjoyed transforming their own outdoor space, with a little help from family members and the home’s staff.
The installation of a new pathway was completed around the home to allow residents to walk safely in the grounds and enable those in wheelchairs to enjoy their surroundings more fully.
Beautiful garden gates were added to complete the grounds and after that, residents got to work helping staff to bring the garden to life.
Josi George, Mundy House care home manager, said: “This has been a lovely project for the residents who have been able to get involved, as it not only promotes positive mental wellbeing but gives them a little bit of gentle exercise.
“The residents love being out in the new garden, and it helps them to get a little bit of sunshine when the weather is fair and is also very calming and relaxing.
“With the new pathway we have installed, more of the residents are able to enjoy our outdoor space safely, which is of great benefit to them.”
Studies show that some light gardening duties can also decrease the risk of dementia because of the brain power required to get even the smallest of planting jobs done.
For people with dementia, there are also physical and mental benefits of being involved in a shared task and gardening helps keep the participants’ focus in the here and now, while enjoying a calm and relaxing environment.
Two residents who have really enjoyed taking part in the garden transformation are friends, 80-year-old Joyce Roberts and 85-year-old Eileen Knock, who when they’re not digging in new plants or pruning branches, can regularly be seen enjoying a little bit of sunshine in their straw hats.
Josi said: “Joyce and Eileen have really been amazing – even digging and cutting things down. They have really made the garden look amazing.”
Joyce said: “It is still not finished, there is still so much to do, but we are getting there!”
Eileen, who is collecting special items she has found in the garden, said: “I love gardening.”
Josi also praised families who have donated plants to the home.
He said: “It has been a real team effort to get the garden looking nice and creating a beautiful environment where residents want to sit and relax.
“We would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to Eileen and Joyce and all the families involved.”
Mundy House Care Home is part of Larchwood Care and was recently rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Across the Larchwood portfolio, the regulator ratings reflect the exceptionally high standards of care given and the drive of every team member to continually improve the care they give.