Nature is often thought of as a source of joy, comfort, and peace, but for those living with dementia, it can also offer a powerful way to maintain wellbeing and connect with others.
Even simple sensory experiences — like watching the birds or tending to the garden — can have a meaningful impact, which is why it’s so important to support our loved ones to enjoy nature when they can.
From providing a sense of calm, to supporting independence, let’s take a look at 5 ways spending time outdoors can support people living with dementia.
1. Connecting with memories
Natural environments have the ability to bring back familiar sights, sounds and smells from our childhood and earlier life.
Whether that’s seeing a flower garden and thinking of a childhood home, or hearing the waves at the beach and remembering a family holiday, all of these small moments of recognition can open the door to conversations and stories. And in turn, help to strengthen connections with others.
For those living with dementia, memories may become more difficult to recollect, but the senses can offer an effective way to encourage emotional memory recall and foster a sense of comfort and connection.
2. Getting in touch with our senses
According to Alzheimer’s Society, sensory activities offer a powerful way to connect with people living with dementia, especially during later stages of the condition.
Spending time around nature gives us plenty of opportunity to explore our senses. From feeling the warmth of the sun on our skin, to smelling freshly cut grass, simple activities like these can make a real difference to loved ones living with dementia.
Walking through a park, smelling herbs, or planting seeds can all provide a good level of mental stimulation, while evoking positive feelings.
3. Spending time in the community
Spending time in nature can also help us to see other people, without the need to join a structured activity. People watching (sitting on a bench in a busy park, or visiting an allotment or public garden) can provide a sense of community on the days when we don’t feel like engaging in a social activity.
This presence of others, even in a quiet and passive way, can feel reassuring and help reduce isolation for those living with dementia.
4. Finding a sense of calm
For those living with dementia, it’s normal to feel distressed or confused at times. According to Dementia UK, this can be due to many things, like changes in routine, unmet needs, or even previous life events.
One strategy for easing these feelings of discomfort is by changing the scenery and spending some time in nature. With fresh air and gentle movement, we can help to create moments of calm during these moments.
This doesn’t have to mean going on a walk in a local park, or taking a trip to the seaside. Simply having a cup of tea in the garden and listening to the birds can be effective in finding a sense of calm.
5. Supporting independence
Only 20% of people living with dementia consider their condition a barrier to using outdoor spaces.
For many people living with dementia, spending time in nature and connecting to the local community can greatly help with feelings of independence and self esteem. Tasks such as watering plants, exploring a local park, or choosing a walking route can encourage decision-making and physical activity.
Overcoming barriers
Mobility challenges, lack of accessible spaces, and worries about safety can all make it more difficult to spend time in nature.
As caregivers, we can support those living with dementia by choosing familiar locations, visiting during quieter hours, or checking ahead for accessible routes. And, we can also offer support in looking for community groups, or dementia walking schemes to find safe and welcoming opportunities for nature exploration.
Spend more time in nature this summer
Nature can be many things for those living with dementia: a bridge to past memories, an opportunity for connection, or simply a way to remain independent. As we enjoy the rest of the summer, let’s remember the benefits of nature, and support our loved ones to spend some quality time outdoors.
If you’d like some more information on keeping your loved one safe while spending time outdoors during the summer, take a look at our blog. Or, if you’d like to look into our expert care services, you can get in touch with our care team.
