Rachel Meltzer with husband Dennis who has Alzheimer's at Bupa Caulfield. Picture: Jason Sammon
DEMENTIA residents at Bupa Aged Care in Caulfield South are reminded of the comforts of home, thanks to a new sensory garden.
The centre has also opened a dementia wing.
General manager Kathleen Collings said the refurbishment and backyard would provide meaningful and purposeful engagement for residents.
The Acacia wing will cater for 21 people and have dedicated staff with specific dementia care training and skills in behaviour management, while other residents can make use of a mens’ shed, barbecue area, clothesline and raised garden beds, she said.
“The backyard concept includes destinations which are familiar and comfortable to people,” Ms Collings said.
“These elements, like the clothesline and garden beds, are designed to engage people with dementia, involving them in familiar domestic activities.
“We know that spending time in a garden is very effective for improving levels of depression, physical health and mobility and is especially good for reducing anxiety in people with dementia.”
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