A Great Wyrley care home has transformed its garden using plants and shrubs to help stimulate the senses of its residents.
Dementia-specialist Waters Edge Care Home, in Stafford Road, has had an innovative garden makeover to brighten up its outside space for residents and their families and friends.
Run by Alpha Care Homes, Waters Edge offers a ‘home from home’ environment on a residential or respite basis for people living with dementia. It encourages people to live as normal and active a life as they wish.
Earlier this year, landscape design consultant Mark Stefan, from Design with Nature, was appointed to redesign the garden with a balance of amenity and recreation space, as well as tranquil and calming areas.
The garden has been remodeled to ensure it can be used to its fullest by Waters Edge residents, with no trip hazards, clear pathways and raised beds for the more green-fingered.
Traditional plants and shrubs have been chosen as part of the planting scheme to remind residents of their own back gardens and flowers from years gone by.
Mark said: “The garden has been specifically tailored for both the elderly, and those with early stage dementia. We have ensured there is no level changes to minimise trip hazards, and have included plenty of seating areas in different parts of the garden to ensure residents and their families can enjoy sunny spots throughout the day.
“We have also ensured that key focal points, such as a dovecot, can be seen from windows, so that residents who are unable to get outdoors can still enjoy the garden.”
At the start of the work a copy of the garden design was displayed in reception for all to see and from vantage points within the home residents have been eagerly watching the garden transform.
Care home manager, Sandra Potts, said it had been an exciting project to be a part of.
“It was great to be able to provide some input in to the design with our residents,” said Sandra.
“We’ve made sure that, in addition to the residents having lots of nice, quiet spaces to enjoy the outdoors that we will still have plenty of room to put up a nice big marquee for our ever-popular gala days.”