Evolving Care Home Garden Design
There is no better environmental influence to nurture our emotions and wellbeing than that of the outside world. The good news is that access to outdoors spaces is within our reach and gardening particularly can be both productive and therapeutic, appealing to all generations. Lockdown highlighted the need for outdoor space, to be connected with the world around us and post pandemic garden centres are bustling with green fingered interest.
From bedding the plants down for Winter to watching the green shoots appear early Spring, then full bloom across the summer, the seasonal aspects of the world of gardening bring joy to many, reaping the rewards of their endeavours. Time spent gardening and outdoors offers many health benefits as being exposed to natural environments improves working memory, cognitive flexibility and attentional control, in fact the natural health benefits obtained through exercise, fresh air and exposure to natural light emphasise the importance of being connected to the world around us.
It is this connection of the outdoors with interior spaces in a care home setting that provides huge potential for residents along with their carers. In addition to providing a variety of activities for care home residents, the feeling that you are contributing to the environment creates a sense of satisfaction and well-being. This combined with creating wonderful settings all help to create that all important first impression when care seekers and their families are looking at choosing a care home setting that is right for them.
Even better it becomes an activity that not only inspires and benefits residents, but is an activity that everyone can get involved with, including grandchildren, making it a great resident, visitor experience. The sensory aspects of a garden are not to be ignored, and in addition to making delightful areas to sit and socialise they are spaces for contemplation, reading and where everyone can soak up the atmosphere.
Indoor Design
Introducing outdoor aspects to the interior of care homes is another beneficial facility that extends a home’s offering in addition to providing further care benefits. Garden rooms make for popular social spaces, therapy and day rooms as they provide a connection to the outside even on the gloomiest of days. Lots of natural light in any space with aspect windows draws the world outside in, natural elements, the use of organic materials, and the emotional influence of colour create a sense of being grounded within our environment as does natural materials and woods which all add to the feeling of nature.
Garden cabins and terrace areas provide spaces away from the day to day of the homes interior great for family and friends visiting and by introducing wildlife to your spaces you add life and activity for residents to enjoy.
Consider selective seating for maximum functionality and comfort, choose multiple different kinds of seating so that everyone can have their seat of choice. Keep colours and patterns to a minimum and position furniture to make the best of views.
Small courtyard areas with high walls make for cosy, private places for small groups or down time, whilst providing shade on sunny or windy days. Bring planters and vegetable beds into your outdoor areas, for sensory activities and make sure they are raised hight for ease of use and accessibility.
Combining the outdoors within your interiors has huge potential for health, emotions and creating an inviting home for care seekers and their families alike.
Outdoor Gardens
Whatever the space, care homes can adapt and create outdoor areas for all to enjoy with accessibility key. Incorporating smooth pathways, raised flower and vegetable beds support the accessible garden experience. Care homes may include outdoor play areas for visiting children, and connect areas with accessible ramps with handrails for ease of mobility. Outdoor cabins, which continue to be popular for residents and families extend facility offerings, and water features bring a sense of tranquillity and further enhance wildlife activity adding to the sensory environment for a relaxing atmosphere. And don’t forget that summer fragrance when planning a seasonal garden, sitting alongside a wild corner is one of the best ways to attract and support vital wildlife.
Creating a new garden area
A selection of tips when thinking about a new garden area:
- Appoint a garden champion within the care home to head up a team
- This could be a member of the staff
- A resident
- An external consultant
- Include as an activity an artist impression of the garden area
- Consider the shape and size of the garden
- Include seasonal planting to maintain activity and colour
- Include plants that are suitable for the garden area, paying attention to spoil type, sunny and shaded areas, dry and moist. Plants that encourage nature to thrive are a big favourite
- Low maintenance plants
- Seasonal colour
- Even grow edible flowers
- Typically, courgette, viola, rose petals and nasturtium
- Consider the seating area and accessibility
- For resident wellbeing
- For staff well-being
- Walking pathways with distinctive features along the way
- Such as a water feature
- Bird table
- Bird bath
- Butterfly area
- Scented garden
- Raised vegetable area
- Picnic area
- Summer house
- A flower filled arch
- Differentiate the front and the back garden
- The front garden for example surrounding the care home’s entrance
- Enhances the care home’s first impression
- Sets the scene and adds to the personality of the setting
Garden Activity Ideas
This can include art and craft activities:
Indoor sensory activities filling vases and researching for family gift ideas
Filling a teacup with planters
Creating a hanging basket from a recycled colander
Creating a wall hanging herb garden
Window box all year-round planting
Take cuttings and plant them indoors ready for Autumn planting
Create garden art
We could go on!!
Using recycled material to create your pots and flower containers also aligns with a care home’s green ethos.
The most successful offerings look to combine interactive features and gardening accessibility with outdoor seating areas, furnishings that really make the garden. Like all good designs working to the principles of function, cohesion, colour, light and space will deliver a great space for all to enjoy.
In Summary
Care home providers can continue to evolve their offering, giving thought to natural spaces and interlinking outside and inside interior design will enhance everyday living in a care home for all, creating inclusive, therapeutic and environmentally friendly settings.
To discuss a project within your care home, contact Jonathan Sawyers – Head of Contracts BoConcept. Email jtsw@boconcept.co.uk or call 01227 455 585. We can provide an initial consultation and no cost concept proposal.
