The role of outdoor spaces in care

As we step into summer, access to nature and thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces can profoundly impact the well-being of us all, and that’s no different to those living with dementia.

We’re learning more and more about the importance of holistic care; Langtree Care Home and the Standish Care Village will fully embrace it. The home will lead the way by integrating nature into its design, creating environments that promote physical, emotional, and cognitive health.

For individuals with dementia, time spent outdoors isn't just a pleasant diversion, it's a critical component of their overall care plan.

And the research consistently backs it up. Exposure to natural light, fresh air, and green surroundings can significantly reduce agitation, improve mood, and enhance overall quality of life while reducing symptoms like anxiety and depression, which are common among those with dementia.

Alongside that, time in nature has been shown to improve sleep patterns and reduce the need for medication, offering a more natural way to manage the condition. These benefits align perfectly with the principles of person-centred care, which aim to support each individual’s unique needs and preferences.

Creating safe, accessible outdoor spaces for people with dementia presents unique challenges. Gardens and outdoor areas must be thoughtfully designed to prevent confusion and reduce the risk of falls, while still encouraging exploration and independence.

At Langtree Care Home, this balance has been carefully considered. The gardens are designed to provide secure, clearly defined pathways, reducing the risk of wandering while allowing residents to move freely within a safe environment. Ground floor rooms all have access to the landscaped gardens, while the other floors boast beautiful viewpoints.

While all at the Standish Care Village have unrivalled private access to local reserves and woodland, allowing residents to enjoy the diverse array of plants and wildlife which can stimulate the senses and provide gentle prompts for memory recall, creating a space that is not only physically engaging but also emotionally resonant for those living with dementia.

Gardens and courtyards provide natural gathering places for residents, families, and staff, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness. The Village will house thoughtfully arranged friendship benches while expert staff provide meaningful activities.

All Millennium Care homes have embraced this approach to nature, and Langtree Care Home will be no different.

Millennium’s investment in the design and maintenance of high-quality outdoor spaces will create lasting benefits for our residents and staff teams, not to mention the local community with intergenerational activity within these spaces to play a big part in our care approach.

To find out more about Langtree Care Home, please click here.