5 ways you can improve outdoor spaces for people with dementia

Access to outdoors is a vital part of any home, and care homes are no different. 

We have a natural drive to spend time outdoors. Some scientists believe it's genetic and talk about biophilia or the love of nature. While this is still under debate, the health benefits of spending time outdoors are well established. 

For people with dementia, being outside and keeping active can reduce cognitive decline. Simple exercise increases appetite, muscle and bone strength and raises mood, and vitamin D from the sun improves our immune system. This in turn leads to a lower risk of falling. 

Interacting with nature has an incredibly calming effect, allowing space for mindfulness which has been shown to reduce anxiety, stress and feelings of isolation and depression. Being outside is an opportunity to do meaningful things. From simply sitting and watching the passing of time and seasons or chatting to friends, to activities like walking, gardening or bowls, these are things we all love to do. 

So, what can you do to maximise these benefits for the people in your care?

Make it easy

• Ideally your outdoor space will be close to the living area and easy to access
• Make sure the door is visible and unlocked
• Have clear wide pathways that lead to meaningful places

Make it attractive

• Choose safe, brightly coloured, fragrant, low maintenance plants
• Consider features like fountains, ornaments or sculptures
• Birdbaths and feeders to attract birds

Make it safe

• Ensure your outdoor space is safe and secure
• Provide shelter in the form of wide eaves, awnings, pagodas, conservatories or covered verandas
• Safe, even paths that always bring you back home

Bring people outside

• Create opportunities for people to be active, like watering plants, gardening or walking
• Have morning tea or lunch outside
• Plan activities like Tai Chi or bowls 
• Get people involved in DIY activity like painting fences or benches

Let them watch the world go by

• Provide a sunny spot for sitting 
• Choose spaces that are good for bird or people watching 
• Make a comfortable place for reading or doing puzzles, daylight helps people whose vision is reduced

If people are not spending time in your outdoor space, ask them why. What could you do to make it more appealing?