Flower power set to help residents in Billingham with dementia get the most out of life

Home news

Nov 02, 2018

Hadrian Park has seen a £10,000 project transform an outdoor area into a state-of- the-art garden that takes on board the latest thinking in creating spaces that support people living with dementia.

The team at Hadrian Park wanted to create a garden that wasn’t just a pretty space to enjoy the sun, but somewhere that could stimulate memories and conversations – as well as helping those with dementia to rediscover some of their lost skills and interests.

After canvassing views and wishes from residents and their relatives, Care UK enlisted the help of garden designer, Peter Rose, to create a space which offered areas to tend to flowers, grow tasty vegetables and relax in the sunshine. 

The garden also features a large wooden area for seating and outdoor dining, as well as easy access for wheelchair and walking frame users. Peter’s clever design even managed to incorporate a dedicated area for resident guinea pigs, Pinkie and Perky, to run around.

One particularly innovative feature has been the arrival of carefully researched pictorial information boards which talk about the history of local towns, including Seaton Carew and Hartlepool. These are displayed on the garden walls, and have already been popular with residents as they provide a prompt for them to reminisce about their time spent living in the area.

To mark the opening of the garden, residents and family members gathered together for a day filled with live entertainment from Brian Wilson, dancing and delicious food, as well as tours of the new outdoor sensory area.

Marsha Tuffin, home manager for Hadrian Park,said: “Here at Hadrian Park, activity based care is incredibly important. Revamping the garden has added a new level of sensory activity, as well as a new space for social interaction – both of which are really important to residents, in particular those living with dementia.

“The new garden is a space the residents can visit to continue with hobbies such a gardening and vegetable growing. Everyone at Hadrian Park would like to say a massive thank you everyone involved for their help and support with this project and for making a real difference to the home.”