PROPERTY
KYN ’ S SENSORY GARDEN
– To stimulate all the senses
INNOVATORS IN LATER LIFE CARE , KYN HAS RECENTLY LAUNCHED A BRAND-NEW CARE HOME IN BROMLEY . ONE STANDOUT FEATURE IS ITS SENSORY GARDEN , WHICH HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO HELP RESIDENTS BOOST THEIR WELLBEING AND INSPIRE REMINISCENCE OF MEMORIES AND SENSATIONS FOR THOSE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA .
Gardens are special spaces . They can improve our wellbeing in many ways , helping us feel calm or giving a sense of purpose . KYN has harnessed the power of plants with the launch of its first care home , KYN BICKLEY , in Bromley .
As part of its pioneering approach to care , KYN commissioned Andy Pringle from LUC , an awardwinning environmental consultancy , to design a unique sensory garden to improve residents ’ physical and emotional health , and enrich the lives of those living with dementia .
Set in two acres of landscaped gardens , KYN BICKLEY features a games lawn , orchard , tranquillity garden , two terraces , and a vegetable and fruit patch . An apothecary ' s garden ( also known as a physic garden ), a form of garden where healing herbs and plants are grown , has also been incorporated to boost physical and emotional health , as well as mood and cognitive health .
The terraces and herbaceous borders reflect KYN ’ s architectural style , while winding pathways framed by pergolas lead residents to the sensory garden and orchard . Routes around the garden are circular in nature and are designed to encompass a broad variety of experiences with heightened sensory features and lots of light , textures , colours , sights , scents and sounds to create a tranquil atmosphere .
Pringle explains : “ The garden is designed to appeal to all the senses . Colours are seasonal , placed for maximum contrast , or grouped in clusters . Energising hues are carefully balanced with oak garden furniture features with a natural finish to avoid overstimulation that can cause distress to those living with dementia .
“ As well as the soothing sounds of nature : bees buzzing , birds singing , the wind rustling through plants , the LUC team has chosen plants with evocative smells such as thyme , rosemary and jasmine .”
Around 900,000 people currently live with dementia in the UK , with many more undiagnosed . KYN is committed to playing its part in establishing ways to improve the wellbeing of its residents who live with the condition , without compromising on quality . Challenging the industry ’ s ‘ one size fits all ’ model , the emphasis is placed on giving residents autonomy , for instance with no set schedule to adhere to ( including mealtimes ) and an atmosphere that promotes individual pursuits alongside plenty of opportunities to socialise , building a community and a sense of home .
Emma Hewat , head of dementia at KYN comments : “ People living with dementia can struggle with memory , but sensory challenges – such as impaired vision and hearing – can also create difficulties . There are many studies that demonstrate the power of being outdoors for those living with dementia . Access to fresh air , sunshine and natural light are important for wellbeing as well as helping to maintain our body clocks and vitamin D levels , which is why the garden is such an important focal point of KYN BICKLEY .”
To encourage outdoor activities for residents , KYN BICKLEY offers a range of relaxing sensory experiences for those with a passion for gardening . Elevated pots and flower beds enable easier access for keen gardeners who may have limited dexterity and mobility . Residents will also be able to collect flowers from the garden and use them in pressed flower art as part of KYN ’ s life-enriching activities . Touching and feeling the petals and smelling the pressed flowers creates an immersive experience that encourages sensory interaction to develop and improve the senses . They ’ re further encouraged to undertake reminiscence sessions , with the topics around plants and flowers , recalling favourite plants and the stories associated with gardening and flowers , for example .
To arrange a visit to KYN BICKLEY , or to enquire about availability , please visit www . kyn . co . uk / our-homes / BICKLEY-london or call 020 4530 9700 .
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