LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, Ohio – A familiar scent, the touch of a flower, a breath of fresh air or the sound of wind chimes in a gentle breeze can all have a therapeutic effect on a person.
It’s this calming environment that’s expressed through Shepherd of the Valley Liberty campus’ Memory Garden, a new outdoor addition that is placed near the facility’s memory care wing.
“We have created this space with intentions,” said Kim Osborn, activity director at Shepherd’s Liberty campus. “This garden is more than just a beautiful space. For our residents living with dementia, it can be a place to connect with nature, foster memories and, most importantly, connect with themselves.”
Osborn said research has shown that engaging with nature can reduce agitation, improve mood and trigger positive memories for those with dementia. “We hope to create these kinds of memories for our residents,” she said.
The new garden is centered with a small gazebo and landscaped with paver paths, decorative stones, a variety of shrubs, grass, flowers and freshly planted trees. Benches are available for residents on which to relax and take in the natural beauty.
Residents can help care for the plants or water the flowers, Osborn said – simple, but nonetheless very therapeutic to those with dementia. “They give our residents the chance to be a part of something and feel a sense of peace and relaxation,” she said. “Our garden is also a place of dignity. It encourages independence.”
The new Memory Garden was officially opened Friday during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Liberty campus.
Shepherd of the Valley raised more than $200,000 over more than two years for the new project, said Jack Sebest, director of donor engagement.
“It’s really sensory-focused,” Sebest said. “Everything we’ve put in here, we’ve researched.” Different garden beds, for example, provide for a different experience. An herb garden helps stimulate smell and taste, while other plants such as the leaves of a lamb’s ear are soft and geared toward more tactile therapies. “It’s supposed to give them the right mind space to get out of fear and more into comfortability.”
All of the plants, trees and walkways are in place, Sebest said. “The last aspect that needs to be put in are shades,” he said. Two different-size shades – a 13-foot-by-13-foot and a 14-foot-by-14-foot – will be installed at each end of the garden, he said.
“That way, residents will be able to come out here and sit comfortably with their family on hot days, or if it’s raining they’re able to take shelter,” he said. “We wanted to think everything through and put in the best quality for our residents.”
Pictured at top: Jack Sebest, director of donor engagement for Shepherd of the Valley.