New sensory garden opens at Crowthorne care home in time for Dementia Awareness Week 18-24 May 2015

It may not be a Chelsea Flower Show medal winner but to the residents living with dementia at a Crowthorne-based care home their new sensory garden is worth more than its weight in gold.

Designed specifically for the needs of people living with dementia, the new garden at Pinehurst Care Centre, Dukes Ride, will give the residents not just a safe, outdoor area they can relax in and enjoy but a place they can explore with a sense of purpose – and without a straight path in sight!

“The new garden offers a variety of sensory experiences, such as the sights, sounds and smells of the flowers and wildlife, but the crucial difference is the curved paths which give the feeling of being on a journey to discover what’s around the next corner. If people with dementia can walk with a purpose they are able to do so safely. Good practice in many care homes enables residents to wander around the home, but there are usually security measures in place to stop them from roaming out of the building. This garden will enable them to explore freely and use an outdoor space safely helping to boost their wellbeing,” comments centre manager, Lynne Cotterell.

The positive benefits of gardens – especially for people living with dementia – mean that garden-based therapy is being used more and more by dementia-specialist homes like Pinehurst. “It is amazing to see how people who can be quite withdrawn really come out of their shells when they have the chance to connect to nature outside. Over time, we plan to evolve the garden by adding new plants, seated areas or paths, to improve the lives of the people that use it – many of whom are green-fingered enthusiasts themselves and have a lot to teach us! We are sure the new sensory garden will be much-used and much-loved addition to our beautiful grounds,” adds Lynne.

Pinehurst celebrated the opening of its new sensory garden on Sunday 24 May, during national Dementia Awareness Week (18-24 May), with a special afternoon tea for residents, families and friends.

Pinehurst Care Centre is located on Duke’s Ride in Crowthorne and offers 24-hour residential care for those aged 65 and over. The 47 rooms offer luxurious accommodation for residents, whether they be frail, suffering a long-term illness and approaching end of life or just need some respite care for themselves and their families.

Pinehurst Care Centre is part of the Forest Healthcare group of homes, which includes 13 individual homes throughout the South East of England. For more information on Pinehurst , please visit www.foresthc.com or call 01344 774233. Visits are welcomed at any time, with no appointment necessary.

ENDS

For further media information or photographs, please contact:

Sam Orange or Jay Commins

Pyper York Limited

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