An outdoor garden area for Cooktown aged care residents has bloomed into a hub for psychosocial wellness.
The move to plant a garden for Sunbird Cottage at the Cooktown Multipurpose Health Service follows the recent facelift to the dining and living spaces, which were officially opened in late June.
“The residents are really engaged in their own space, they have been very active in developing the area and have given input about the dining area and repotting plants outside,” Clinical Aged Care Nurse Michelle Geitz said.
The 11 residents at Sunbird have been encouraged to use the outdoor area as much as possible, with encouraging results.
“They are going for walks externally and often end up sitting in the area for afternoon tea,” Michelle said.
“It has been beautiful to watch the conversations taking place, our residents are learning more
about each other and sharing stories at the same time, and we are learning about them.”
Studies have shown a direct correlation between home and community gardening, and older adult’s psychosocial and physical wellbeing. One 2020 study surveyed 331 Australian gardeners aged between 60-95 and reported positive outcomes for participants, who found therapeutic benefits by simply being present in a garden.
The outdoor area has already been put through its paces with a barbeque for residents.
“Several residents took part in preparing the feast; with the guidance and support of our
dedicated staff these small tasks became moments of pride, joy and engagement,” Michelle said.
“These moments matter in aged care. I firmly believe joy often lives in the little things, the hum of casual conversation and the warmth of being seen and included.”
Michelle said the residents were proactively planting and tending to herbs and plants which will be raffled off to raise funds for cottage activities.