Patients in Wyong Hospital's acute geriatric ward will now benefit from a purpose-built sensory garden.
The sensory garden has been delivered with $250,000 in funding from the Regional Health Minor Capital Works program to provide therapeutic benefits for patients with dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
The fully fenced garden creates a calming and safe environment for patients, as well as a pleasant space for patients to spend time with their families and carers. It is fully accessible for patients with reduced mobility.
Access to fresh air, natural light, and greenery can boost patients' moods, lower anxiety and help to reduce agitation and aggressive behaviour experienced by patients with dementia and Alzheimer's.
The design team worked closely with staff, carers, and community members to design the space and create a safe and welcoming environment.
The garden incorporates simulated features including a bus stop and a clothesline. These familiar elements are intended to trigger memories and provide high-need dementia patients with a simple, routine activity.
Other key design elements include:
- five-sense engagement, with different elements of the garden created to stimulate all five senses
- sensory planting with different textures, colours and smells, for example lemongrass, mat rush, basil, fountain grass, blue sage, cherry tomato, marigold, and coastal rosemary
- a raised garden bed designed with mobility impairment in mind
- park-style benches and covered seating with wheelchair accessibility
- nurse call points for patient safety.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park
"I'm delighted to see the sensory garden open and welcoming patients, their carers and staff.
"The garden is an example of our holistic and proactive approach to health care. By investing in the creation of a nurturing outdoor space, we seek to improve both quality of life and care for those affected by dementia and Alzheimer's disease."
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris:
"It's wonderful to see this beautiful space open, where patients can come to connect with nature and spend time with their family, friends or carers.
"The garden has been carefully designed to engage all the senses, and I look forward to seeing how this helps ease anxiety and boost the mood of patients in our community living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
"This upgrade follows on from the completion of the $200 million Wyong Hospital redevelopment at the end of last year to deliver another milestone in enhancing healthcare for our community."
