Security cameras have been considered necessary in many areas of the therapeutic landscapes at the hospital and
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People confined to a healthcare facility lose control over their daily lives . They cannot make their own decisions but need to follow those of their caregivers , usually because they are too sick or too weak to do otherwise . The power of choice is taken from them and this can be demoralising . Comrie , who has done significant research on the subject over time , comments that therapeutic landscapes should allow for freedom of choice , so that a sense of control can be brought back into the lives of patients . Initially by just being able to look out of the window at highly colourful gardens and play areas and , with time , to go outside into those spaces .
The choice to connect with nature will involve physical exercise and social interaction , along with the sensory benefits of being in a garden where many discoveries are to be made . This will provide patients with a sense of control , at a time in their lives when their health and well-being are in the control of others . The simple ability of being able to choose serves to reduce stress and ultimately leads to quicker recovery times and , generally , to better health .
The importance of play cannot be over-emphasised in the lives of all children and particularly children in recovery . Children who don ’ t involve themselves in physical play activities are subject to such conditions as obesity . Comrie , who has also researched educational landscapes , observed that although surveillance and safety needed to be taken into account , particularly when sick and mobility impaired children were involved , there was no need to be overcautious with children or to over-regulate play activities . She commented that risk taking was good for children .