At Barton House in Scottsdale, memory care offers seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia an opportunity to engage with nature in a way that is therapeutic and calming.
Scottsdale’s sunny, dry climate is an excellent environment for supervised memory care gardens, where a selection of dementia-safe plants present sensory and cognitive benefits year-round.
Benefits of Gardening for Seniors with Alzheimer’s and Dementia at Barton House
Calming Effects and Stress Reduction
Tending to plants and enjoying the beauty of flowers and greenery can alleviate agitation and anxiety often experienced by those with dementia. The tactile experience of touching leaves, smelling flowers, or simply watching plants grow is often soothing.
In Scottsdale, where the warm climate accommodates outdoor activities much of the year, gardening provides a serene setting where residents enjoy peaceful moments, reducing feelings of restlessness or confusion.
Sensory Stimulation and Cognitive Engagement
Memory care gardens at Barton House stimulate the senses through sight, smell, and touch. These sensory experiences led by care professionals can trigger positive memories and engage the brain in a gentle, non-overwhelming way.
In a memory care setting, structured gardening activities such as watering, pruning, or harvesting promote a sense of purpose and accomplishment, which can enhance mood and self-esteem.
Connection to Nature
Scottsdale’s unique climate allows residents to enjoy nature’s beauty all year round. Spending time outdoors, whether in the garden or on a shaded patio, helps seniors connect with their surroundings.
Nature has a way of grounding and calming individuals, making memory care gardens a perfect tool for improving overall well-being.
Exposure to fresh air and sunlight also boosts Vitamin D levels, which is essential for bone health and mood regulation.
Dementia-Safe Plants for Memory Care Gardens
Choosing dementia-safe plants is crucial in creating a secure and enjoyable environment for seniors with memory loss. Here are some excellent indoor and outdoor options that thrive in Scottsdale’s climate.
Outdoor Plants
- Lavender: Known for its calming scent, lavender is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in Scottsdale’s dry climate. The scent diminishes agitation and promotes relaxation, while its vibrant purple flowers are visually stimulating.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe is an ideal succulent for Scottsdale’s desert conditions. It requires minimal water, is easy to care for, and has soft leaves, making it a safe and interesting plant for residents to touch and observe.
- Jasmine: This beautifully fragrant plant not only enhances the sensory experience but also promotes a sense of calm. Jasmine can thrive in the warm Scottsdale sun, and its scent has been linked to improved mood and relaxation.
- Marigolds: Bright, cheerful marigold flowers are easy to grow and maintain. Their bold colors and pleasant scent provide excellent visual and sensory stimulation for residents without requiring extensive care.
Indoor Plants
- Spider Plant: Spider plants don’t require much maintenance and are excellent for improving indoor air quality. Their unique cascading leaves add visual interest, making them a great choice for indoor spaces.
- Peace Lily: Peace lilies are ideal indoor plants for dementia care settings because they thrive in low-light conditions and help purify the air. Their flowers are simple and elegant, while their broad, smooth leaves offer a pleasant tactile experience.
- Succulents: Various types of succulents, such as Echeveria or Haworthia, are perfect for indoor settings. They require very little maintenance, plus their unique shapes and textures make them very interesting.
- Boston Fern: This lush green plant is non-toxic and adds a soothing touch to indoor environments. Its soft fronds are safe for residents to touch, and the plant’s air-purifying qualities enhance indoor areas.
Gardening Activities at Barton House Memory Care
At Barton House in Scottsdale, gardening activities are thoughtfully designed to support residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
The community features a private courtyard where they enjoy the marvelous weather year-round; our landscaped gardens inspire their green thumbs.
Our other amenities include:
- Restaurant-style dining
- On-site beauty salon
- Spacious common areas
- Enclosed patio, walkways, and garden
- Housekeeping
These enriching amenities at Barton House promote an active lifestyle and create an inclusive memory care environment where seniors form meaningful bonds.
Through participation in diverse activities, our residents enjoy a holistic approach to wellness that nurtures their minds, bodies, and spirits.
Join the Senior Gardening Movement at Barton House
We believe in nurturing both plants and relationships. Your loved one with dementia can experience the joy of gardening within a vibrant community surrounded by beautiful Scottsdale plants. Their life will bloom in full spirit with opportunities for involvement and support at every step.
Enrich their days; schedule a tour and witness the thriving community that awaits!
