Blooming Well-being: Exploring Oakwood House’s Sensory Garden
At Oakwood House, an all-inclusive care home nestled in the vibrant Colney community of Norwich, we understand that enriching the lives of our residents goes beyond providing exceptional care. We believe in fostering an environment that stimulates the senses, encourages engagement, and provides opportunities for joy and a sense of accomplishment. That’s why we are incredibly proud of our thriving sensory garden, a space designed to delight and soothe, and a testament to our commitment to holistic well-being.
The journey to creating this beautiful space recently involved a delightful day trip to Taverham Nursery Centre. This outing wasn’t just a chance to get out and about; it was an integral part of the sensory garden’s development. Our residents, with the expert guidance of our dedicated gardener, Phoenix, enthusiastically participated in selecting the perfect plants for their garden.
The Purpose of a Sensory Garden in Care Home Life
A sensory garden is more than just a collection of flowers and foliage. It’s a carefully curated space designed to engage the five senses: sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing. For our residents at Oakwood House, the sensory garden offers a multitude of benefits:
- Sensory Stimulation: The diverse textures of leaves, the vibrant colours of blooms, the fragrant aromas of herbs, and even the gentle sounds of rustling plants provide crucial sensory input, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals living with sensory impairments.
- Emotional Well-being: Spending time in nature has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety. The calming atmosphere of the sensory garden offers a tranquil retreat for relaxation and reflection.
- Cognitive Engagement: Interacting with the plants, recalling familiar scents, and observing the changes in the garden throughout the seasons can stimulate memory and cognitive function.
- Physical Activity: Even gentle strolls through the garden or the simple act of touching leaves and flowers encourages light physical activity and promotes mobility.
- A Sense of Ownership and Achievement: Having been involved in the selection of the plants during our trip to Taverham Nursery Centre, our residents feel a strong sense of ownership and pride as they watch “their” flowers grow and flourish. This contributes to a feeling of accomplishment and purpose.
Our Trip to Taverham Nursery Centre: A Day of Delight and Choice
Our recent outing to Taverham Nursery Centre was a resounding success. It perfectly aligns with our philosophy at Oakwood House – that life within a care home should still involve opportunities to experience the wider community. Getting out and about provides a change of scenery and fresh stimulation, combatting the feeling of being confined to the same four walls.
The residents thoroughly enjoyed browsing the vast array of plants at the nursery. With Phoenix’s expert advice, they considered the different textures, colours, and scents, carefully selecting plants that would contribute to a rich and varied sensory experience in their own garden back at Oakwood House. The excitement of choosing their own flowers brought a tangible sense of anticipation and involvement in the creation of their special space.
The Ongoing Evolution of Oakwood House’s Sensory Garden
The plants chosen during our enjoyable trip to Taverham Nursery Centre are now taking root in our dedicated sensory garden at Oakwood House. Our residents can witness first-hand the fruits (or rather, the flowers!) of their choices as the garden evolves and changes with the seasons. This provides a continuous source of interest and a tangible connection to the natural world.
At Oakwood House, we are committed to constantly improving our facilities to enhance the lives of our residents. The sensory garden is a testament to this commitment, offering a stimulating and therapeutic environment right on their doorstep. It’s a place where they can connect with nature, engage their senses, and experience the simple joy of watching life bloom.
Our sensory garden, born from a wonderful day trip and nurtured with care, is just one of the many ways we strive to create a fulfilling and enriching care home life at Oakwood House in Norwich. We believe in providing opportunities for our residents to enjoy the same things in life they always have, and sometimes, to even cultivate something new and beautiful.
Get in Touch
If you would like to learn more about life at Oakwood House and the enriching activities we offer, including the benefits of our sensory garden, please get in touch or request a tour. We would be delighted to show you how we are committed to providing quality care that promotes well-being and joy in every aspect of our residents’ lives.
