At the Thrive Trunkwell Garden Project we run a structured programme of activities for people with dementia. This programme focuses on positive reminiscence, re-connecting with others including friends and family and gentle appropriate exercise and cognitive stimulation.
In April 2009 we began a small scale research programme which is helping us to pilot a new programme of horticultural therapy activities for people who are diagnosed with dementia before the age of 65, based on an assessment of their personal goals and including input from occupational therapists. Many of these people are still physically active and enjoy the regular social contact, the exercise and the sense of achievement that gardening can bring. The perceived benefits of the activities are being assessed qualitatively and quantitatively so we can identify the 'active ingredients’ of effective horticultural activities for people with dementia.
The Gardening Club for those under 65 years meets for half a day every week. There are two groups, one meets in Wokingham and the other at the Thrive Trunkwell Garden project. Thrive also welcomes people over the age of 65 with dementia to our garden sessions on other days of the week. If you know of someone who might enjoy helping us in the gardens, contact the Information Service on 0118 988 5688.
Eileen is one of the people with dementia who came to Thrive during the early stages of the disease. She was able to participate in guided gardening activities and she enjoyed her weekly visits to the Thrive Trunkwell Garden Project. The photo shows Eileen with her husband Alan in Thrive's Secret Garden at the Trunkwell Garden Project.
We want to help more people like Eileen by offering a horticultural therapy programme at both our garden projects in Reading and Battersea Park, London. We would like to offer:
- More people with dementia to have the opportunity to attend the Thrive Trunkwell or Battersea Garden Project to take part in a therapeutic programme.
- An easy to use guide, based on our knowledge and experience, which partners, family and friends which they can use at home, so they can take part in more activities together in their own gardens or other outdoor settings.
- Workshops run by Thrive in dementia care homes, to encourage more people to take part in gardening.
- Training, support and appropriate information for professionals working with dementia patients.
More about dementia
On 3 February 2009, the Department of Health published 'Living well with dementia: a National Dementia Strategy’, backed by £150m over 2 years to provide a strategic framework within which local services can:
- deliver quality improvements to dementia services and address health inequalities relating to dementia;
- provide advice and guidance and support for health and social care commissioners and providers in the planning, development and monitoring of services; and
- provide a guide to the content of high-quality services for dementia.
Dementia is a progressive, debilitating disease characterised by a decline in memory, and at least one other aspect of cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily activities. It is often thought of as a condition affecting older people but, while age is the main risk factor, there are over 18,000 people under the age of 65 years with dementia in England according to the Alzheimer’s Society.
Young onset dementia poses a diagnostic challenge and this means that younger people with dementia can encounter delays in getting an accurate diagnosis. They may also encounter difficulties in getting appropriate support. Most dementia services cater for people who are older and much less physically active, so younger patients may find the provision inappropriate.
In some parts of the country, only people over 65 years old are eligible for dementia services and so, in these places, there is no provision available for younger people with dementia. Affected individuals and their families report feelings of social exclusion, high levels of stress and lack of meaningful occupation.
Find out more about the National Dementia Strategy