We hope you all had a chance to spend at least a little time outside over the July 4^th holiday. Did your residents?

Fresh air and sunshine can do wonders for people’s spirits, especially for people with dementia. Research has shown that when people can freely use outdoor areas, agitation and aggression reduce, independence is promoted, and memory recall is more likely to occur. An outdoor space or garden gives people the chance to be physically active, feel unrestrained, be more in touch with nature, socialize, and do meaningful activities (like plant flowers) that make them feel at home. It can also help maximize sleep duration for residents who have trouble sleeping through the night.

Find more information at:

https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/ageing-and-aged-care/dementia-friendly-environments/gardens-outdoors

And while indoor household tasks like folding laundry and sweeping floors can help engage residents in meaningful activity, this can work outside too! Have residents help sweep leaves and dirt off the deck or patio, pick up sticks, fill the bird feeder, and plant or water the flowers. There are lots of outdoor games too…horseshoes, beanbag toss, walking races, and beach ball volleyball to name a few.

What can you do this week to get more residents outside?