The Lehigh Valley is an ideal location for gardening. The combination of climate, soil, space, and local garden supply centers gives Allentown and neighboring residents everything they need—except the energy and patience needed to nurture delightful fruits, vegetables, and flowers. South Mountain Memory Care provides residents with the opportunity to indulge in the therapeutic value of working in the soil and caring for new life while gaining energy and patience, among other benefits.
There is power in the tranquility of gardening that soothes and focuses the mind and relaxes the body. Gardening qualifies as exercise, burning calories and engaging multiple muscle groups at once. Fresh air, singing birds, buzzing bees, and camaraderie all contribute to what experts call “horticulture therapy.”
Why is gardening beneficial for dementia residents?
A series of studies cited by the NIH (National Institutes of Health) found that horticulture therapy provides distinct benefits to individuals with dementia. It points out that, “As a cognitive therapy, HT helps clients learn new skills and regain lost skills. It is a restorative technique to improve memory, attention, sense of responsibility and social interaction with few to no adverse side effects.”
Based on that endorsement and the experience of our South Mountain Memory Care residents, here are three reasons why individuals with dementia respond positively to both indoor and outdoor activities that involve working with plants:
Physical health Outdoor gardening has its own special benefits. Sunshine is a natural source of vitamin D, which helps boost immunity. The fresh air enriches the brain, bringing added oxygen to help foster cognition and alertness. Even small, low-impact movements involved in working with the soil help improve circulation and even burn a few calories. There can be cardiovascular benefits as well.
Stress and anxiety The simple task of digging and planting helps divert the mind from anxiety-producing thoughts. It can also release endorphins, the brain’s feel-good hormones. Gardening is a “no need to hurry” activity, so there is little confusion and pressure. Enjoying the fragrance of plants and flowers also has a restorative quality that brings a greater sense of well-being
Connection and engagement Working with soil and plants at a relaxing pace helps remove barriers often put up to avoid interactions with others. This is especially helpful for individuals with dementia who may be reluctant to engage with those around them. When gardening alongside others, they often find themselves more open to casual conversation and even cooperation.
Many of our South Mountain Memory Care residents have gardened all their lives. They often share stories of special flowers and plants they remember from their gardens. Planting and gardening give everyone an opportunity to enjoy meaningful activities that nurture a sense of purpose and connection with nature and each other.
That wonderful feeling of connection is one of the reasons why South Mountain Memory Care has a garden area and planters. We love to work alongside residents to plant everything from flowers to vegetables, nurturing them and enjoying the beauty and joy they bring.
Whatever the cause or level of your or your loved one’s memory issues, South Mountain Memory Care, with our unique culture, “small house” model, and abundance of certified caregivers, offers you the peace of mind of knowing your loved one will be cared for as if they were our family—which they are!
South Mountain Memory Care is committed to providing individualized, compassionate care to support our residents in achieving a well-balanced lifestyle. We strive to allow our residents to remain independent while emphasizing safety. Our focus is to enrich their life—mind, body, and spirit—by bringing new initiatives into their day-to-day regimen while maintaining the activities they find comfort in. South Mountain Memory Care offers the peace of mind you deserve. When it comes to those you care so deeply about, we understand because we care, too.