Sensorial gardens

A sensorial garden is a green area designed and realized to stimulate the 5 senses that become the absolute protagonists to establish a conctat with nature. The function of the garden is to welcome people with dementia and to give them the space to relax and to develop their curiousity staying safe.

The garden is composed by several areas that have different functions. The garden’s entrance has the important role to separate the natural place from the outside area, and also to make the entrance cozy and to invite people to come in. Inside the garden there are chairs and benches which form rest areas where the person with dementia can sit and relax. When people with dementia are grown up in the countryside it is important to create dedicated area where vegetables can be planted.

The garden should be viable through a circular route organized in such a way that, while people are walking, they can be stimulated by the perfumes and the colors of the flowers and of the aromatic plants. Fruit trees can be another big attraction. During the harvest time people are free to take fruits and eat them. Another attraction can be a fountain with water, that is either relaxing, thanks to the sound of springing water, and a stimulus to drink. There can also be some panels to invite elderly to do some physical activities. Next to the chairs there could be some pedalboards where people can do physical activity outdoor.

In the areas dedicated to sound, it is possible to find some coloured canes that can be used as percussion instruments. Finally, surrounded by plant and flowers selected from all blooming during, there can the area dedicated to the special bench for vibro-acustic therapy. This special instrument, usually positioned under a gazebo, is used for non pharmacological therapy led by an expert care who works in the garden together with the person with dementia.

OTHER SENSORY STIMULATION THERAPIES