How to create a dementia-friendly garden or outdoor space
Creating a dementia-friendly garden or outdoor space involves thoughtful design that supports the needs and wellbeing of people living with dementia. The goal is to make an environment that feels safe, calming, and stimulating without causing confusion or frustration.
One effective approach is to design walking paths that are simple and easy to follow. For example, a “figure of eight” path loops around flower beds in a continuous flow. This allows people to keep moving without needing to make complex decisions about direction, which can be disorienting for someone with dementia. The walking surface can include subtle flecks of green because green tends to be one of the last colors people with dementia can see clearly.
Seating areas should offer both social spaces and quiet spots for reflection. A main seating area might be plain in color to create calmness and contrast with the surroundings, while smaller secluded benches provide privacy when needed.
Plant choices play an important role too. Evergreen plants give structure year-round, while seasonal flowers add variety and help mark the passage of time through changing colors and textures—from spring bulbs through summer blooms, autumn leaves, and winter bark like silver birch trees. Including sensory herbs with clear labels encourages memory stimulation and conversation.
Safety is paramount but should not feel restrictive or closed off. Screening like low fences or hedges can create boundaries without visible gates that might invite wandering outside safe areas. The garden should feel open yet secure.
Incorporating elements such as sensory stimulation (through touch, smell, sight), opportunities for gentle exercise (like smooth paths), social interaction spaces (group seating), as well as quiet zones helps meet different emotional needs throughout the day.
Overall, a dementia-friendly garden balances safety with freedom—encouraging movement and engagement while reducing anxiety by simplifying navigation and providing comforting natural surroundings tailored specifically for those living with dementia.
