Transcript:

Interviewer: What is the importance and significance of creating a Memory Care Garden?

Jack Carman: Memory Care Gardens are a vital part of any community that is being created for elders with Dementia. The reason being is that we, all too often, think about the interior environment, and the stimulus there, whether it is ‘Country Kitchens’, etc. that is created as part of the overall community.

However, we all too often forget about the garden and that it is another room. It is an essential element of any community. Because we really do not know how we are going to reach people – or on what level.

Someone may have been a life-long birder. Or, they may be a gardener. Or whatever it is.  We take those aspects of their lives away from them if we do not build them into the community. We do not know how we are going to reach people.

I remember my wife’s grandmother and we would visit Gram in the nursing home where she was living. (This was many years before dementia specific residences, and we have learned so much since then). We would sit outside with Gram.  And her wordfinding had diminished. Yet, she could still point to the birds.  That was an important part of who she was. Gram lived her whole life in Maine and that was a significant part of her character.

There are other examples of why this is so important. Such as placing a birdfeeder outside of someone’s window can help them calm down. The agitation that some people may exhibit goes away when they can focus on something that was a part of who they are.

Whether they enjoyed nature, taking a walk, hiking or even if they just enjoyed sitting outside in a garden – it is essential – it is critical that we do these things (creating the gardens). And why it is an important part of every community.