The Benefits of a Sensory Garden

Sensory Gardens & the Award Winning Spark™ Program at Frontier

Frontier utilizes sensory gardens as an important part of our well respected Spark™ program. Spark™ was inspired by the teachings and research of Maria Montessori and Dr. Cameron Camp and provides meaningful and life-enhancing experiences for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

The program focuses on engaging our residents with proven rehabilitative strategies that strive to heighten interaction, optimize cognitive skills as well as promote a sense of purpose and accomplishment despite what deficits may be present.

In addition to enjoying the many sensory stimulating aspects of spending time in the garden, our residents are given the opportunity to choose which seeds to grow, help in the planting process and participate in the overall caretaking of the garden area.

Through our Spark™ program, it is a joy to see our residents’ eyes light up when they take part in activities around the garden, whether the time spent be an old favorite or a newly discovered interest.

We celebrate our seniors as the unique individuals that they are by providing them both meaningful experiences and proven therapeutic techniques to help them retain their cognitive capabilities to the fullest extent possible.

PROMOTING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Having a sensory garden promotes residents’ physical activity. A designated area like this allows everyone to walk, garden, sit, stand, and enjoy the outdoors at their own pace. Increased physical activity is important for the elderly, as it helps decrease falls and prevents injuries. When residents use the sensory garden, it alleviates depressive symptoms and contributes to the brain releasing serotonin, which promotes a sense of calm and a feeling of focus.

SENSE OF COMMUNITY

Creating and maintaining a sensory garden gives residents a sense of community. Having a space to relax and enjoy with others improves social interactions, gives residents a sense of ownership, and allows them to have a new environment to share with visitors. Everyone can participate in planning, decorating, painting, planting, watering, etc. This helps boost confidence, as residents feel a sense of accomplishment when creating something new.

ALLOWS ROOM FOR CREATIVITY

Sensory gardens can take weeks to plan and create, which is where there is so much room for input and innovation. Allowing residents to participate in the planning and execution of the garden can be uplifting and just fun. Residents can paint pots, decorate wind chimes, and decorate other garden accessories. They can plan out what plants and herbs will be used to help stimulate the senses.