New garden and pet helping dementia sufferers
A NEW garden is improving the lives of people in Toowoomba with dementia, along with a new four-legged friend.
The sensory garden has been created at the Mt Lofty Heights Nursing home, within its dementia unit, thanks to funds raised at last year’s Toowoomba Hospital Foundation Pop Up Paint Along event during carnival.
Mt Lofty Heights Nursing Home facility manager Jacinta Pitt said the garden was already a big hit with residents as was greyhound Quade.
Quade has been living at the home for the past five weeks after the home’s previous pet greyhound Sammy died earlier this year.
“What we wanted to do was give the residents a really nice outdoor area,” Ms Pitt said.
“We know that well-planned outdoor environments are valuable to people with dementia because they support independence and mobility and build confidence, leading to greater overall well-being.”
The new space includes a number of sensory experiences and is a safe place for residents to enjoy activities, therapeutic programs and time with family and loved ones.
Ms Pitt explained it could take the residents back to their past lives as well as enjoying time in the sun.
Toowoomba Hospital Foundation CEO Alison Kennedy said the garden was a beautiful idea funded by last year’s Pop Up event which raised $3000, as well as its major sponsor Burstows Toowoomba.
“I think a lot of nursing homes would have a beautiful area such as this but obviously being a government-funded nursing home it is really important for us to get behind this particular one because obviously the funding is not there for special things such as gardens,” Ms Kennedy said.
Ms Kennedy said there was still some improvements to be made to the garden, and this years Pop up Paint Along event would raise further funds.
The event on Sunday, with artist Anna Bartlett, involves being able to paint your own picture while enjoying a glass of champagne and morning tea.
Tickets are still available and can be bought at trybooking.com/QZRK.