In fact, nearly one million people are now living with the condition, making dementia the country’s leading cause of death and affecting around 70% of care home residents.
It comes as internet analysis by Foxholes Care Home has revealed an average of 14,000 searches for “sensory garden”, and 106 related keywords, take place each month across the United Kingdom, highlighting growing interest in sensory-friendly gardens.
“Designing a sensory garden should always put the person at the heart of the space,” explains Neil Gandecha, sensory garden expert at Foxholes Care Home “Sensory gardens provide a moment of calm and relaxation for people of all ages.
“They have the unique ability to stimulate memories, engage the senses, and transport individuals back to meaningful moments in their lives.”
When planning a dementia-friendly sensory garden, Neil highlights several key considerations:
Plan Your Space
“Choose a location that offers a mix of sun and shade and is easy to access from indoors,” Neil advises. “Wide, level, non-slip paths and raised beds make plants more accessible for wheelchair users. People with dementia can become disoriented in a complex layout. A simple looped path allows safe, worry-free exploration.”
Engage the Senses
“Every sense should be considered when designing a sensory garden,” Neil explains:
- Sight: Use bright, contrasting colours and plants with seasonal interest to provide visual stimulation. Sculptures, ornaments, and bird feeders can act as focal points to guide exploration.
- Smell: Fragrant herbs like lavender, rosemary, mint, and thyme, alongside flowers such as roses, honeysuckle, lilac, and jasmine, evoke calming memories and are especially helpful for those with hearing loss.
- Touch: Soft, textured plants such as lamb’s ear and ornamental grasses, tree bark, and safe tactile panels provide opportunities for hands-on interaction.
- Sound: Include rustling plants, gentle water features, and wind chimes to create soothing background sounds and encourage wildlife visits.
- Taste: Safe edible plants or seasonal treats, like autumn herbs or setting up a hot chocolate station in garden seating areas, provide sensory engagement through taste.
Consider Who the Garden is For
“Every sensory garden should be designed with its users in mind,” Neil explains, “For people with visual impairments, bold, contrasting colours help with navigation. For those with hearing loss, vibrant colours, scents, and textures reduce stress and encourage meaningful engagement with the space.
“It’s important that people living with dementia receive the care and support they deserve. Creating inclusive, dementia-friendly spaces like sensory gardens is just one of many ways to help people maintain dignity, well-being, and quality of life. Ensuring access to such resources can make a meaningful difference for both individuals and their families.”
Neil concludes, “Ultimately, a well-planned sensory garden is more than a garden, it’s a place of comfort, stimulation, and joy for everyone who uses it.”
