Gardening - A Fresh Take on a Senior Living Stereotype

We’re gonna just say it out loud. People in senior living have an affinity for plants and gardening. But then again, lots of people of all ages have a green thumb. And if they like plants usually there is more than one present. At doorsteps, on patios, in the kitchen, on a shelf. You name it, they are there. 

Over our tenure, we have noticed two approaches when it comes to plants and gardening in senior living. 

Fake, I mean “artificial” plants are the norm. Why? They are easier. They don’t need water, do not wither and die, cannot be overwatered, can be quickly arranged and rearranged without messes and supplies and aesthetically they are somewhat pleasing to the eye (kind of). Operationally they are easier and only need an occasional dusting.  

Real plants, real gardening and real uses from what is grown. These communities have most certainly committed to live plants for multiple reasons. From aesthetic, to climate and geographical location, to culture, to what real vs artificial stands for, or even because residents have demanded real plants. 

But here is the thing, this is not a real, I mean “artificial” vs fake argument. And it’s not an outdoor - indoor debate. This is a “WHY” argument.

Having certified black thumbs, we are not the best source to talk about the “why” so we reached out to our friend Orla Concannon of Eldergrow, a garden and nature expert, to learn more. Here are her observations and 6 WHYS for why plants and nature matter:

1.Indoor gardening creates a meaningful sense of purpose. It’s a top intervention for loneliness in older adults (research). Therapeutic horticulture has also been found to reduce risk factors for dementia by 36% (reduces depression & falls) - University of Washington.

2. It’s easy to get caught up in the newest “#hightech” solutions for senior living activities, however sometimes it makes all the difference to go “back to your roots” (pun intended!) and so many of us resonate with nature, gardening, and farming.

3. Keeping plants alive is tricky and gardens often turn into short-term projects that peter out with the season (or change in staff). #Eldergrow provides plant expertise, consistency, and measured resident wellness goals.

4. Growing a garden can provide incredible opportunities for community growing as well. Whether or not there is a garden club at a community, plants are natural conversation starters! Residents gather around the garden and remark on the growth, leading to socialization and relationship-building. 

5. People seek purpose at all ages - nurturing a garden epitomizes purpose. Watering a plant creates hope. A garden can be the reason someone leaves their apartment for the day. 

6. The impact is immediate. Residents instantly respond to flowers and sensory stimulation. If they have poor vision, they can still touch and smell the fragrant flowers. If they have cognitive impairment, a fragrant mint can spark old memories and provide unique opportunities for reminiscing. If they do not care for hands-on gardening, residents still enjoy and benefit from nature through art classes like botanical stationery or culinary classes with harvested herbs. It’s immensely diverse in its reach. 

“But We Have Outdoor Garden Beds at Our Communities”

Great start. Absolutely on the right path. Those of us that are veterans in the space of raised beds, gardening, and trying to get people to do more of it in an organized manner we know a few things. We beg people, specifically Boy Scouts and other teenagers that have a project to achieve to build beds. Or we tap into the maintenance worker and other family members to construct beds. But what happens next? Something slips through the cracks, literally. Overgrowth happens. Cold happens. Heat happens. Rain happens. Legs break. Sun damages the structure. Soil seeps out. And we end up with… 

An EYESORE! 

And what happens when a garden or planter becomes an eyesore? It stays an eyesore for quite some time. Unless we recruit enough people for a “clean out” or “clean up” day and try to restore the dilapidated plant home. This is a recurring cycle we see year after year and eventually the allure and desire to garden is gone and you are left staring at a useless symbol that is supposed to represent growth, nurturing, and life. We joke, if we can’t find a way to keep plants alive in and around the communities, what message are we sending to guests and residents?

Take it from Orla Concannon, “In most areas of the country, gardening is not a year-round option due to weather. This means that many residents are unable to connect with nature on a daily basis. Even in clement areas, residents can have barriers to the outdoors due to limited mobility or staffing challenges. Bringing nature indoors creates accessibility for all residents”.

Biophilia Enacted

#Biophilia… this new, cool word has some real research behind it. Traditionally senior living is a housing establishment where the majority of residents remain indoors. We must recognize the benefits of the design element called “biophilia”. Simply defined, it’s bringing elements of nature indoors. Yes, this is more than plants or things that grow, it includes natural light, sounds, smells, visuals. It is undeniable that humans need nature in a deep and fundamental fashion to enhance health and well-being. Biophilia embraces the fact that we are a part of nature, not apart from nature. 

A Simple Solution

Orla Concannon created Eldergrow as she observed this scenario play out over and over again. She created two turn-key programs, and continues to add to the offerings, each accompanied with a beautifully crafted garden on wheels. Why? So it can be moved. To one neighborhood and another. To the dining area for farm to table demonstrations. It’s like the gardening ‘robot’ that swoops in, however, this is not merely another activity to put on the calendar. 

These are communities of people who take pride in Eldergrow’s culinary herb gardens. Use their contents. Care and tend to the plants. Teach others about what is sprouting and blooming. Make fresh arrangements from their acts of service. Experiment with the chef on a new sauce or garnish. Each month residents learn all about plants, herbs, flowers, and nature from around the globe. 

Then there’s Eldergrow therapeutic sensory garden. Twice a month, communities with Eldergrow’s Therapeutic Horticulture program receive in-person classes by an Expert Educator who teaches therapeutic horticulture classes, maintains the garden, and builds relationships with residents. Every class measures specific Wellness Goals, developed by the American Horticultural Therapy Association. With an endorsement from Teepa Snow herself, there’s no doubt that communities availing of Eldergrow are providing innovative care for their residents. 

It’s so much bigger than watering something to keep it alive. It’s more than a pretty container that looks appealing from a design point of view, it’s a renewal of purpose. If you are searching for a low tech, reasonably priced solution to engage residents, staff, families, and prospects while adding to the aesthetics of a community, check out Eldergrow! We promise, you will not be disappointed. 

To learn more, reach out to Eldergrow or LE3 Solutions