Growing Things: Gardening as Therapy, Part 2


Mother touching a rose
31. Water indoor and outdoor plants
32. Weed flower beds

Obviously many of these would be too difficult and some might even be dangerous for dementia patients in the middle stages, though in the earlier stages they could be done with no difficulty. Activity should be matched with ability, not asking more of the patient than they can do.

Growing things give something to look forward to, something to anticipate, even for those with memory problems. Seeing life burst forth, new blooms or vegetation formed, cheers one and gives purpose, and it is excellent therapy for both dementia patients and family caregivers.

References:

1. Sheridan, Carmel. Failure-free Activities for the Alzheimer's Patient: a Guidebook for Caregivers. Oakland, CA: Cottage Books, 1987, p. 54.

2. Ibid., p. 54-57.

3. Dowling, James R. Keeping Busy: a Handbook of Activities for Persons with Dementia. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1995, p. 143.

4. Ibid, p. 144-145.

5. FitzRay, B. J. Alzheimer's Activities: Hundreds of Activities for Men and Women with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders. Windsor, CA: Rayve Productions, 2001, p. 73-74.

The copyright of the article Growing Things: Gardening as Therapy, Part 2 in Alzheimer's Disease is owned by Brenda S. Parris. Permission to republish Growing Things: Gardening as Therapy, Part 2 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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