Do you know someone living with dementia? Dementia is now the leading cause of death for women in Australia, and many of us know and love someone living with the condition.
To coincide with Dementia Action Week (21-27 September), which raises awareness and aims to improve the quality of life of people living with dementia, the Redcliffe Botanic Gardens last month launched a dementia-friendly garden project.
The project, a partnership between the Moreton Bay Dementia Alliance and the Friends of Redcliffe Botanic Gardens, aims to create a welcoming, inclusive and meaningful space for people living with dementia, their families, carers and community groups.
The initiative began when one of the original members of the Moreton Bay Dementia Alliance, Elaine Dare, visited the Redcliffe Botanic Gardens on a whim. Elaine said she was surprised at the beautiful atmosphere and thought it could become a special place for those living with dementia.
“The birds were singing, the wind rustling the trees; I found a unique iguana-tiled seat, where I sat and absorbed the calm,” Elaine said. “I looked at huge trees I might have climbed as a child and thought people with dementia could also enjoy this experience and maybe reminisce too.”
She said the Friends of the Botanic Gardens committee had been very supportive, while State Member for Redcliffe Kerri-Anne Dooley, other community organisations, and Council and State representatives were keen to see the garden become a reality.
“It is envisaged the gardens will be a safe, sensory-rich place where people with dementia can freely use outdoor areas, agitation and aggression reduces, independence is promoted and happy memories are recalled,” she said.
Designing the Sensory Walking Circuits
Friends of Redcliffe Botanic Gardens volunteer Lynette McIntyre said the proposal aligned perfectly with the organisation’s plans to re-establish the sensory gardens.
“We envisage creating two dementia-friendly walking circuits – the first a loop to the pond, the second to a grass clearing featuring a tiled iguana bench seat,” Lynette said.
“The garden beds are being cleared and soil enriched in preparation for planting a range of local native species selected for their sensory qualities, including fragrance, texture, form and visual appeal.”
The project aims to be completed in 2027.
For resources and support for people living with dementia and those who care for them, visit Dementia Australia.
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