CLIENT: Kari Court dementia-specific aged-care facility

LOCATION: St Ives, Sydney

NEEDS: Defined route through the garden, different levels of stimulation, choice of active or passive engagement, increased connection with nature

AIM: Residents maintain dignity and sense of self, enjoy their surroundings and improve mental, physical and emotional wellbeing

SOLUTION: Integrated system of seating, activity areas and points of interest threading through the narrow site

COMMON THREAD

SEASONAL VARIATION

PLANTS

SUMMER WINTER

Position Part-full sunSensory engagement

Visual – red stems in winter, white flowers in spring

Bloom time Spring

Position Part-full sunSensory engagement

Tactile – stringy leaves, visual – bright colour

Position Full sunSensory engagement Tactile – soft leaves

Bloom time Summer – yellow flowers

CORNUS ALBAACACIA COGNATA ‘LIMELIGHT’

LEUCOPHYTA BROWNII (CUSHION BUSH)

SUSTAINABILITY

ORIENTATION

ACCESSIBILITY

SOCIALISATION

MEANINGFUL ACTIVITY

REMINISCENCE

SENSORY STIMULATION

SAFETY

DESIGN PRINCIPLESAlzheimers Australia has developed a list of eight design principles to consider when planning a dementia-specific garden. Each area fits into the matrix of independent/supported, active/passive

AESTHETICSA large proportion of residents have a Mediterranean cultural background. This informed plant choice and materials so that the garden feels familiar.

AUSTRALIAN

OTHER

MEDITERRANEAN

ACTIVE PASSIVE

INDEPENDENT

SUPPORTED

Position Part-full sunSensory engagement Scent, tactile

Bloom time Spring, summer

Position Full sunSensory engagement Edible, visual – high contrast

Bloom time Spring, summer, autumn

Position Part-full sunSensory engagement Edible, visual – attracts birds

Bloom time Winter, spring – lilac flowers

LAVENDER NASTURTIUMALYOGYNE HUEGELII (NATIVE HIBISCUS)

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2

3

4

5 6

MAIN ENTRANCE DINING ROOM

NORTH EAST WING

PARKING

LAWN

PATIO

CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA

Pergolas

Established trees

HERB GARDEN

POTTING AREA

MEN’S SHED

WATER GARDEN

Awning

Ramp

Ramp

ENTERTAINMENT DECK

SITE

Leucophyta brownii (Cushion bush)

Acacia cognata ‘Limelight’

Rosemarinus officianalus

Cornus alba (Dogwood)

Correa alba

Plectranthus (Mona lavender)

Baloskion tetraphyllum (Feather Top)

Lavandula

Sage

Thyme

Oregano

Fennel

Hydrangea

Alyogyne huegelii (Native hibiscus)

Wild garlic

Armeria ‘Bees lilac’

Monarda (Bee balm)

Aloe plicatilis

Anigozanthus ‘Gold Velvet’ (Kangaroo paw)

Anigozanthus ‘Ruby Velvet’ (Kangaroo paw)

Poa labillardieri ‘Eskdale’

Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Purple lea’

Geranium

Dianella ‘Little Jess’

Loropetalum chinense ‘Purple pixie’

Iris

Prunus

Westringia ‘Naringa’

Bay laurel (standard)

PLANTS

Wicker

AcaciaReclaimed limestone cladding 35mmEco liner composite material –

recycled plastic, timber and stone

Topsoil

Peat 100mm

Fibreglass 15mmGravel 20-50mm

Drainage holes

THREAD COMPONENTS PLANTER BOXES | LOW WALLS | BENCHES

Building threshold to patio is sheltered to allow residents’ eyes time to adjust to change in lighting levels

Shutters and feature plants (Aloe plicatilis) create landmarks to aid wayfinding

Gardens are located where they can be easily viewed to encourage residents to venture outside

Materials – limestone, wicker, terracotta – and Australian native & Mediterranean plants are familiar to age and culture of residents

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Intermittently placed waist-height limestone walls and planter boxes enable residents to rest or balance themselves as they move throughout the garden

Seating located at regular intervals for resting

Sunny sitting areas for use in winter minimise temperature change between indoors and outside

2

High levels of contrast between colours and shapes of plants meets needs of visually impaired residents

Plants attract native birds, animals and insects

Children’s play equipment encourages interaction between family members and residents

Large open areas for group activities with seating for passive engagement

3

Fences are screened with plants to minimise feelings of enclosure and create a more home-like environment

Paths are level, smooth, slip-resistant and low glare

Paths are edged with darker colour to support wayfinding and define change from paving to garden bed

4

Water garden engages hearing, touch and sight to calm residents

Quiet, shaded, passive areas of refuge provide personal space away from larger group activities

Low maintenance plants require less water and fertilisers

Main path leads people with dementia along a journey of discovery, linking small and large garden spaces and focal elements of interest

Raised garden beds allow residents to easily touch, smell and taste plants. All plants are non-poisonous, non-toxic.

5

Ramp allows wheelchair users to easily access raised deck

Men’s shed brings together residents, carers and family members

Male residents can engage in purposeful activities tinkering in the shed with tools, wood and metal fixings

Tools, garden implements, sound on the tin roof, smell of oil-soaked rags evokes memories of resident’ pasts

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Lockable cupboard to be managed by carers