Creating Outdoor Spaces for Dementia Care: Design Principles and Practices
A key goal when designing a garden or outdoor space for people with cognitive impairment is to keep these individuals safe and comfortable. Outdoor areas should meet the resident’s needs for engagement, physical activity, mental stimulation, and fun while still meeting the safeguards of the community. Many outdoor areas are fenced for the resident’s safety, however, using hedges that blend into the environment can create a relaxing space without making the resident feel confined.
Of course, outdoor spaces must be customized for each community, however, there are some common elements to promote safety and quality of life for residents with some level of cognitive impairment:
Plant gardens that mark seasonal change (e.g., Peony in spring and non-woody Asters in the fall) focus on non-toxic plants. Consider herb gardens with a variety of edible plants – such as mint, basil, and rosemary. Fruits, such as Papaya or Loquats are edible and can be used in landscaping. While limiting the potential for pests and bugs is important, no pesticides should be used on plants that residents may eat or otherwise encounter.
Promote aromatherapy with aromatic plants such as lavender, lemongrass, thyme, and sage; Choose plants with different colors and textures.
Consider therapeutic gardens where residents are encouraged to dig, plant, and otherwise engage with nature. These not only enable physical exercise and engagement but decrease stress, promote well-being, and create a sense of purpose. Key features of a therapeutic garden include raised beds, water features (such as a fountain), comfortable seating, and meandering paths.
Wide pathways that enable mobility and engagement promote safety with non-slip surfaces and are free of obstacles that let residents wander. Avoid pathways that have abrupt grade changes or surface changes to prevent confusion. Other useful features include adequate seating and handrails. Include signage and way-finding cues such as a gazebo, or distinct plants to help with orientation. Lighting is important; however, surfaces should be low glare to not confuse.
Enable easy views of and access to outdoor spaces from inside the building. Make it easy for residents to get to outdoor spaces, including gardens. However, enables them to enjoy the outdoors from inside as well. Large windows and enclosed patios will be useful in this regard.
Implement safeguards to protect people from the elements. Covered or enclosed patios, tables with umbrellas, fans, and heating elements can help keep residents safe and comfortable year-round.
Consider a meditation garden, a quiet, more private space with a fountain, piped-in music, and statuary.
Investing in dementia-friendly outdoor spaces can be a wonderful addition to the community. It can be as simple as putting out some potted plants and a raised bed or creating a small garden in an existing courtyard. Whether you start small or go big, the results are significant. Outdoor access keeps residents active and gives them sensory pleasure. Residents get to feel unrestrained and in touch with nature and the world around them. They can garden, help grow things, and enjoy a sense of purpose; or they can spend time alone and find some peace. For some individuals, the outdoors even has spiritual or religious meanings. For others, these spaces evoke happy memories and joyful feelings. Dementia-friendly outdoor spaces can help enable people to age in place and stay safe and engaged even as dementia advances. Pi Architects can design an outdoor environment that adds marketability and enjoyment for the residents.
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