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.