How to Design a Dementia-Friendly Garden?

Gardens and green outdoor spaces allow individuals struggling with neurological conditions such as dementia to create a meaningful connection with the natural world. Gardens not only provide respite but also promote physical and mental well-being. Whether you’re a residential or nursing home worker or are looking to upgrade your house garden for loved ones, learn how to design a dementia-friendly garden with these five effective steps. 

1. Adopt an Individual-Centric Approach 

When creating a dementia-friendly garden, the design should be centred around the individual or group of people who will be using it. This is particularly important as the condition is unique to each person. It’s important to talk to the person/people and take some time to understand what’s important to them. For some, it might be enjoying outdoor activities; for others, a space to enjoy some peace and quiet.

As dementia progresses, people tend to develop difficulties with vision, movement, language, and behaviour. Any potential future challenges must always be at the core of the design process to ensure that the outdoor space can support the affected individual in perpetuity.

2. Build a Single Route Through the Garden 

The layout of a dementia-friendly garden should always be simple and straightforward. Being able to navigate a safe outdoor space can prevent patients from feeling lost and improve their well-being. It is important to create one central route instead of multiple ones (especially those that lead to dead ends). At the same time, you should make sure that the walk is interesting for them. You can install some artwork and sculptures as well as some chairs for the elderly to sit down and enjoy these installations and nature.

3. Create a High Contrast Environment 

In terms of visual design, you should aim for high contrast so it’s easy for the patient to remember and recognise things. If you’re installing beam seating, make sure they’re of a different shade and material compared to the paving. You can keep the garden base so the setting is calm and peaceful; at the same time, you can also create some contrast by adding plants such as Rodgersia podophylla - a big, bold plant with chocolate-tinged leaves - as visual anchors. 

Reflectivity is a particular concern for individuals with visual dementia. Light reflecting off things can be quite disorienting for them so always take care when installing water features. Opt for ones with low reflectivity, and take note of anything with mirrors and glass components to avoid causing any discomfort.

4. Focus on Sensory Experiences 

A dementia-friendly garden should have a sensory richness to it. It’s important to incorporate a variety of sensory elements as it can be hard to tell which senses get affected as the condition progresses. Interactive outdoor spaces tend to stimulate the senses, leading to improved sensory recognition among dementia patients. This could be the sound of running water, having scented plants, hanging windchimes, etc. 

5. Ensure Accessibility

Accessibility is an important factor that cannot be overlooked when designing a garden for dementia patients. Expansive, flat walkways provide room for patients to be accompanied by staff and caregivers, and to use walking aids, pushchairs, or wheelchairs. You can create raised garden beds, allowing wheelchair users to engage with sensory plants and therapeutic gardening activities.

The loss of memory associated with dementia can be quite crippling. By creating a dementia-friendly garden, you can help trigger the patient’s memory. Simple activities such as pulling up a potato, planting pansies, or rummaging for tools can help them recall memories that they had forgotten. Even simply watching the passing of seasons can help them track the passage of time and avoid feeling disoriented. By combining healthcare furniture with a safe outdoor space, you can empower individuals struggling with dementia to live life to the fullest.