Imagine a place where the scent of blooming flowers triggers cherished memories, the rustling of leaves soothes the mind, and the vibrant colours of nature uplift the spirit. Welcome to the world of therapeutic gardens, a sanctuary designed to enhance the well-being of seniors, especially those living with dementia. But what exactly makes these gardens so special, and how can they benefit our elderly loved ones?
Telok Blangah Hill Park
What Makes a Garden Therapeutic?
Unlike regular parks, therapeutic gardens are meticulously designed to promote healing and well-being. These gardens are not just about aesthetics; they are purpose-built to encourage interaction between people and plants, guided by trained practitioners. The design takes into account the specific needs of seniors, including those with cognitive impairments, physical limitations, and mental health conditions.
Therapeutic gardens incorporate various sensory elements to stimulate the senses and evoke positive emotions. For instance, fragrant plants like Bread Flower and Cape Jasmine can trigger long-term memories, while the rustling sound of Bamboo Orchid and the rattling of Rattleweed Plant pods create an engaging auditory experience. These gardens also feature tactile plants, edible herbs, and visually stimulating flowers to provide a holistic sensory experience.
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
The Benefits of Therapeutic Horticulture
Engaging in therapeutic horticulture offers numerous benefits for seniors. Activities like gardening, arts and crafts with plant materials, and simply strolling through the garden can improve physical skills, enhance cognitive functions, and boost emotional well-being. For people with dementia, the sensory elements can trigger old memories, fostering social interaction and strengthening bonds with loved ones.
Moreover, therapeutic gardens provide a safe and accessible environment for seniors to enjoy nature. Features like wheelchair-accessible paths, shaded areas, and proximity to amenities ensure that everyone can participate in the healing experience. These gardens also serve as venues for group activities, including therapeutic horticulture sessions, which can further enhance the sense of community and belonging.
Where to Find Therapeutic Gardens in Singapore
Singapore is embracing the concept of therapeutic gardens, with several such spaces already established and more in the pipeline. Here are five wheelchair-accessible therapeutic gardens you can explore:
- Tiong Bahru Park
- Telok Blangah Hill Park
- Punggol Waterway Park
- Jurong Lake Gardens
- Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
These gardens are designed with seniors in mind, featuring closed-loop paths for easy navigation, shaded areas to provide respite from the sun, and sensory zones to stimulate the senses. Whether you’re looking to engage in therapeutic horticulture or simply enjoy a peaceful stroll, these gardens offer a sanctuary for healing and well-being.
Jurong Lake Gardens
Looking Ahead: The Future of Therapeutic Gardens
The National Parks Board (NParks) aims to establish 30 therapeutic gardens across Singapore by 2030, transforming the city into a “City in Nature.” This initiative will make therapeutic gardens more accessible to the public, allowing more people to experience their benefits. As part of this effort, NParks is also developing a therapeutic horticulture programme, where interested groups can register for guided sessions.
Punggol Waterway Park
In addition to public parks, therapeutic garden concepts are being integrated into senior care facilities and schools. For instance, Hovi Care is working on incorporating therapeutic horticulture into their existing programmes, providing consultations on enhancing existing gardens to include therapeutic elements.
Conclusion: Embrace the Healing Power of Nature
Therapeutic gardens offer a unique and effective way to improve the well-being of seniors, especially those living with dementia. By engaging the senses and encouraging interaction with nature, these gardens provide a sanctuary for healing and rejuvenation. As Singapore continues to develop more therapeutic gardens, we can look forward to a future where nature plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for our elderly loved ones.
If you’re interested in learning more about therapeutic gardens or exploring franchise opportunities in senior care, check out Hovi Care’s blog for more insights and resources.
