Care home brings the outdoors indoors

Yohden Care Complex, in Hesleden Road, Blackhall Colliery, has created its own indoor garden to replicate the sights and sounds of being outside in the sun.

The garden room has been designed so one half resembles a back garden and the other half a country park.

Features include hanging baskets and window boxes, an artificial rockery and grass, a street lamp and outdoor seating to simulate an al fresco dining experience.

Sound effects such as birdsong and a stream are also played to help enhance the sensory experience.

Care manager Maxine Lee said: “We are delighted that our indoor garden has been such a big success with residents and their families.

“It provides a peaceful, tranquil space for residents, families and friends to socialise and bond during our coffee mornings or outdoor-themed activities such as picnics, lawn darts and bowls.”

Residents took advantage of the facility when they enjoyed a cuppa and cake on the lawn during a recent downpour.

The garden was purpose-built for residents and is part of the home’s dementia therapy activities programme.

And it has proved a great success so far in rekindling happy memories.

Maxine added: “It’s been fantastic for reminiscence therapy.

“Residents enjoy talking about their own gardens and taking part in familiar activities like picking flowers and growing plants and herbs.

“It encourages residents with dementia to think creatively by creating their own unique plot.

“The added benefit of the indoor garden is that residents can continue to enjoy gardening even when the weather is too poor to go outside.”

Dementia care is one of three areas of specialist care Yohden Care Complex provides along with general nursing care and a residential unit for residents with learning difficulties.