Patients in Wyong Hospital’s acute geriatric ward will now benefit from a purpose-built sensory garden.
The sensory garden has been delivered with $250,000 funding from the Regional Health Minor Capital Works program to provide therapeutic benefits for patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
The fully fenced garden creates a calming and safe environment for patients, as well as a pleasant space for patients to spend time with their families and carers. It is fully accessible for patients with reduced mobility.
Access to fresh air, natural light, and greenery can boost patients’ moods, lower anxiety and help to reduce agitation and aggressive behaviour experienced by patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
The design team worked closely with staff, carers, and community members to design the space and create a safe and welcoming environment.
The garden incorporates simulated features including a bus stop and a clothesline. These familiar elements are intended to trigger memories and provide high-need dementia patients with a simple, routine activity.
Other key design elements include:
- Five-sense engagement, with different elements of the garden created to stimulate all five senses.
- Sensory planting with different textures, colours and smells, for example lemongrass, mat rush, basil, fountain grass, blue sage, cherry tomato, marigold, and coastal rosemary.
- A raised garden bed designed with mobility impairment in mind.
- Park style benches and covered seating with wheelchair accessibility.
- Nurse call points for patient safety.
Media Release from the offices of Ryan Park, Minister for Regional Health
David Harris, Minister for the Central Coast
