Blaenos House Nursing Home creates dementia-friendly sensory garden

One of West Wales’ only specialist dementia care homes has created a purpose-built sensory garden for residents in its own private grounds.

Blaenos House Nursing Home has designed and developed a therapeutic garden space to help enrich the lives of its memory care residents.

Nestled in the Welsh countryside, just outside the historic market town of Llandovery, Blaenos House Nursing Home already boasts stunning surroundings. Yet by reclaiming an overgrown outdoor area that sits at the front of the property, the home has been able build a dementia-friendly sensory garden and walkway. The area is safe and secure, and will include a soothing water feature and outdoor seating for residents.

The home is also planning to renovate a log cabin to create a café for residents and their families to enjoy next year. Residents will be able to actively participate in preparing items on offer at the café, as well as have a space to relax and spend time with their loved ones outside the home.

Dementia is rapidly becoming a global public health priority. There is growing interest in the research of nonpharmacological interventions to help enrich the lives of people living with the disease. The sensory garden is just one part of Blaenos House Nursing Home’s commitment to promote the wellbeing of its memory care residents.

Alan Titchmarsh, a great advocate for the Alzheimer’s Society, has created a wonderful document outlining the importance of access to an outdoor space for people living with dementia. The document explores how these outside areas, such as the Blaenos House Nursing Home sensory garden, can help stimulate senses and memories, which can greatly improve mood and overall wellbeing. You can find Alan’s full garden design guide here.