Gardening activities can help enrich the quality of life
for those with Alzheimer’s, and their caregivers
The following is condensed from the Alzheimer's with a Green Thumb 8 hour course we offer. Contact us for details
There are a lot of myths about Alzheimer’s and the People-plant connection. Much of this is a matter of perspective. We look at the person with the dementia from our viewpoint and focus on what they lack. We need to look through their eyes, feel with their fingers, think with the imagination they possess, and the needs they have. Start from where they are rather than where they might once have been. People with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia can celebrate the people-plant connection, the sensory and mental stimulation it provides. The journey down memory lane, and the new discoveries to be made on the road less traveled, are opportunities to be found in a truly therapeutic garden designed for our friends and family members with memory and cognitive challenges. Most of these folks are no stranger to the garden, for many it’s a touch of home.
Why a garden?
The garden is a safe place, a benevolent setting where everyone is welcome.
Plants are non-judgmental, non-threatening and non-discriminating. They respond
to the care given. It doesn’t matter whether one is black or white, been to
kindergarten or college, is poor or wealthy, healthy or ill, been a victim of
abuse or an abuser, is handicapped or blind, can call a plant by name or only
caress the leaves with arthritic hands (adapted from Green Nature, Human
Nature by Charles Lewis).
The garden setting can be psychologically comforting and reassuring at a primal or instinctive level. With vistas and curved paths, open space and pleasant surprises, the garden can be safe and inviting, even when we don’t understand botany and ecology, or the fine points of horticulture we can breath easier and relax, shed the stress and confusion and simply BE ONE WITH THE GARDEN. That garden can be indoors or out, large or small. It still welcomes all and embraces without judgement. The value is enhanced when we can become a part of the garden, rather than apart from it.
The problem is that all too often these gardens are designed by professional landscape architects, not experienced horticultural therapists. Just because a garden is designed to be a work of art doesn’t mean that it is the safest, or most convenient for an Alzheimer’s patient, or someone with mobility limitations. Gardens for the Senses, Gardening as Therapy by Hank Bruce
has a summary of ways to make the garden comfortable, accessible, functional and safe.
Simple truths about Alzheimer's and the people-plant connection
The People-Plant Connection can be found almost anywhere.
We think of the garden as being outdoors, but it doesn’t have to be. A
functional garden can be on a windowsill, or tabletop.
The garden is alive and filled with surprises Too often we view it as place to sit and perhaps gaze at a rose until
boredom forces us to drift into a nap’s embrace.
The garden is full of opportunities to experience and engage. Yet we fill it with barriers and DO NOT TOUCH signs.
We speak of healing gardens with places to sit and pray or meditate. But this wastes a beautiful opportunity to be active, empowered and intrigued, to have both mind and body stimulated. We can so easily create opportunities for discoveries, surprises, and smiles. The best healing garden is one where there are opportunities to be actively involved.
The garden is a living thing. It is ever changing, with new discoveries at every turn, new surprises every
day. How can we deny anyone this opportunity?
It is all fine and good to trigger memories, but it is far better to trigger the imagination.
Gloria lived in a wheelchair. She had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and often had trouble finding the words to string together into a coherent sentence, instead she would hum. For this reason she was all too frequently left out, like Rudolph and the reindeer games. She was ignored during many of the day care activities.
One afternoon one of my volunteers decided to take the "garden club" outdoors and into the small park next door. The group was strolling down the walk when Gloria started humming and pointing to the shadows the pecan leaves were casting on the walkway. The volunteer began to deliver a discourse on pecans, pecan trees and pecan pie. But now Gloria was waving her arms and wiggling her fingers. There was a sparkle in her eyes.
The volunteer viewed this as a distraction from her lecture, but Gloria interrupted, "Look! Look! They’re dancing!"
Immediately everyone began waving their arms along with the shadows. I don’t know if Gloria made the connection between the leaves fluttering in the breeze and their shadows dancing on the pavement, but for her it was a moment of discovery, a shared experience, and a reason for everyone to smile. It may have begun as a passive walk in the park but she turned it into
an active experience for everyone.
Seniors with Alzheimer’s can benefit greatly from regular garden related activities
1. Memory triggers are of great value.
A well planned and planted reminisce garden can be so much more than a faded photograph from yesteryear. It can be an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colors and scents, forms and feelings. It can also bean opportunity to share experiences. One of the most effective reminisce gardens I ever saw was the one we had at The Opportunity Garden, a horticultural therapy demonstration garden as a part of EPCOT’s annual Flower & Garden Festival in 1999. With the old fashioned roses, red geraniums blue morning glories and white daisies it was a technicolor tour down
memory lane. The best part was that everything was within reach, and no "do not touch" signs were a part of the display.
2. Sensory stimulation is all too often limited to a variety of herbs crammed into a small space where it is difficult to isolate and identify the scents. Our sense of smell is only one of the five physical senses and a good sensory garden will stimulate
sight, touch and sometimes taste and hearing. A sensory garden can also go far beyond these physical senses to include the sense of place, purpose, and even a sense of humor. We have seen great windowsill sensory gardens created by senior
gardeners, including those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Part of the key is to avoid cramming all the scents together. Blend color, texture and scent, but it doesn’t need to be a goal to have as many kinds of plants as possible. A good sensory garden welcomes you, but it doesn’t overwhelm or confuse.
3. Mental stimulation is so often overlooked when gardening with those of us with Alzheimer’s. In the early and middle stages of this disease the opportunity to experience something new can be rewarding and invigorating for all concerned. It doesn’t
matter if one cannot name the plant. The garden is not a horticulture test. There are no wrong answers. What matters is that they are making discoveries. They may make the same discovery again tomorrow. That’s ok. The mind can be stimulated by something new, something out of place, something in motion, a sound, or something whimsical. In one senior center the stroll garden has a small pond with water lilies, a potted cattail and a couple goldfish. Someone released a bright yellow rubber ducky in this pond one morning and everyone who followed the path to the pond returned smiling and sharing the story.
4. Socialization
At one adult day care two seniors with Alzheimer’s were sitting at a table pulling the petals from a pink geranium. They were engaged in animated conversation about long ago yesterdays. Each was going down her own path, but they were engaged. Incidently, neither of these two could identify the plant they were "deflowering." one kept referring to it as a rose while her companion spoke lovingly of "this bright red petunia."
5. Being the gardener is empowering.
Nurturing, cultivating, planting, watering and harvesting are all life skills. These activities are a physical and emotional link to where we once were. These are memories deep and ancient that transcend generations and cultures, but they are also yesterday’s memories. Again the landscape architects don’t plan a strawberry beds into the design, nor do they plant beans
and squash or pumpkins. Yet, one group at an adult day care planted pumpkins and as they grew invited children from a nearby elementary school to come over and help tend the punkin patch. Together they painted Jack-O-Lanterns for Halloween. Sharing the pumpkins was also empowering. The role of the elder is to pass on the culture to the children. In this garden they were fulfilling their destiny.
6. One person’s distant memory is another’s new discovery.
Each individual with Alzheimer’s or other form of dementia has a lifetime of experiences, a unique collection of skills and talents. For many these include interaction with plants, that people-plant connection again. When wecan celebrate that personal wealth we reinforce a sense of self-worth. When Marvin tried to tell everyone at Delancy Street Day Care about making tomato pies some laughed at him, others commented on his confusion. When his daughter brought in the old family recipe he supervised the making of "tomato pies for everyone." For Marvin this was a distant memory relived. For those who ate their first piece of tomato pie, it was a new experience. It was mental exercise for all, including the staff.
7. Physical engagement can go beyond the soil and the sunshine.
Activities that relate to the plants, flowers, produce, and discoveries in the garden can become a part of the activities program. Leaf art, food tasting, quizzes & opinion polls, storytelling, art and music can all be an extension of the people-plant connection. This is why we wrote Along the Garden Path, Garden Related Activities, Quizzes, Stories & Trivia.
8. Whimsy, smiles and laughter
These are also a part of the well planned garden for the folks with Alzheimer’s. Wonderful things happen to the brain and the body when we laugh. And it’s even better of it is an experience shared. Whimsy is the surprise and it may be as unplanned as a hummingbird visiting a feeder, or it may be a piece of statuary, a "blowing bubbles" session under a shade tree, or a Burma Shave type sign along the path. Planning and placing the whimsy can be fun for both the staff and the clients. There’s a lot to be said for going barefoot on the grass. See Senior’s Illustrated Vol 1 by Hank Bruce & Tomi Jill Folk.
9. Depression, anger, frustration and isolation can decrease in the garden.
When one is focused on planting, tending and harvesting there is a certain peace within, some call this harmony, but regardless of what you call it, endorphins are released. Smiles may be spontaneous and conversations may just happen. One intern said, "It’s as good as chocolate." Because the plants play such a large and diverse role in human existence this people-plant connection touches us in so many different ways. For each person the connection is unique, a one of a kind, personal scrap book. The act of visiting this connection can provide a sense of place and purpose.
10. Spiritually.
Being with plants provided a sense of place in the universe, communion with nature and a sense of peace and harmony. Too often we think that we must be engaged in "activities," but sometimes "being" is activity enough. Sometimes opening the soul to the diversity of beauty is activity enough. To feel the leaves or smell the flowers can be an inspirational experience.
A well planned and planted reminisce garden can be so much more than a faded photograph from yesteryear. It can be an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colors and scents, forms and feelings. It can also bean opportunity to share experiences. One of the most effective reminisce gardens I ever saw was the one we had at The Opportunity Garden, a horticultural therapy demonstration garden as a part of EPCOT’s annual Flower & Garden Festival in 1999. With the old fashioned roses, red geraniums blue morning glories and white daisies it was a technicolor tour down
memory lane. The best part was that everything was within reach, and no "do not touch" signs were a part of the display.
2. Sensory stimulation is all too often limited to a variety of herbs crammed into a small space where it is difficult to isolate and identify the scents. Our sense of smell is only one of the five physical senses and a good sensory garden will stimulate
sight, touch and sometimes taste and hearing. A sensory garden can also go far beyond these physical senses to include the sense of place, purpose, and even a sense of humor. We have seen great windowsill sensory gardens created by senior
gardeners, including those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Part of the key is to avoid cramming all the scents together. Blend color, texture and scent, but it doesn’t need to be a goal to have as many kinds of plants as possible. A good sensory garden welcomes you, but it doesn’t overwhelm or confuse.
3. Mental stimulation is so often overlooked when gardening with those of us with Alzheimer’s. In the early and middle stages of this disease the opportunity to experience something new can be rewarding and invigorating for all concerned. It doesn’t
matter if one cannot name the plant. The garden is not a horticulture test. There are no wrong answers. What matters is that they are making discoveries. They may make the same discovery again tomorrow. That’s ok. The mind can be stimulated by something new, something out of place, something in motion, a sound, or something whimsical. In one senior center the stroll garden has a small pond with water lilies, a potted cattail and a couple goldfish. Someone released a bright yellow rubber ducky in this pond one morning and everyone who followed the path to the pond returned smiling and sharing the story.
4. Socialization
At one adult day care two seniors with Alzheimer’s were sitting at a table pulling the petals from a pink geranium. They were engaged in animated conversation about long ago yesterdays. Each was going down her own path, but they were engaged. Incidently, neither of these two could identify the plant they were "deflowering." one kept referring to it as a rose while her companion spoke lovingly of "this bright red petunia."
5. Being the gardener is empowering.
Nurturing, cultivating, planting, watering and harvesting are all life skills. These activities are a physical and emotional link to where we once were. These are memories deep and ancient that transcend generations and cultures, but they are also yesterday’s memories. Again the landscape architects don’t plan a strawberry beds into the design, nor do they plant beans
and squash or pumpkins. Yet, one group at an adult day care planted pumpkins and as they grew invited children from a nearby elementary school to come over and help tend the punkin patch. Together they painted Jack-O-Lanterns for Halloween. Sharing the pumpkins was also empowering. The role of the elder is to pass on the culture to the children. In this garden they were fulfilling their destiny.
6. One person’s distant memory is another’s new discovery.
Each individual with Alzheimer’s or other form of dementia has a lifetime of experiences, a unique collection of skills and talents. For many these include interaction with plants, that people-plant connection again. When wecan celebrate that personal wealth we reinforce a sense of self-worth. When Marvin tried to tell everyone at Delancy Street Day Care about making tomato pies some laughed at him, others commented on his confusion. When his daughter brought in the old family recipe he supervised the making of "tomato pies for everyone." For Marvin this was a distant memory relived. For those who ate their first piece of tomato pie, it was a new experience. It was mental exercise for all, including the staff.
7. Physical engagement can go beyond the soil and the sunshine.
Activities that relate to the plants, flowers, produce, and discoveries in the garden can become a part of the activities program. Leaf art, food tasting, quizzes & opinion polls, storytelling, art and music can all be an extension of the people-plant connection. This is why we wrote Along the Garden Path, Garden Related Activities, Quizzes, Stories & Trivia.
8. Whimsy, smiles and laughter
These are also a part of the well planned garden for the folks with Alzheimer’s. Wonderful things happen to the brain and the body when we laugh. And it’s even better of it is an experience shared. Whimsy is the surprise and it may be as unplanned as a hummingbird visiting a feeder, or it may be a piece of statuary, a "blowing bubbles" session under a shade tree, or a Burma Shave type sign along the path. Planning and placing the whimsy can be fun for both the staff and the clients. There’s a lot to be said for going barefoot on the grass. See Senior’s Illustrated Vol 1 by Hank Bruce & Tomi Jill Folk.
9. Depression, anger, frustration and isolation can decrease in the garden.
When one is focused on planting, tending and harvesting there is a certain peace within, some call this harmony, but regardless of what you call it, endorphins are released. Smiles may be spontaneous and conversations may just happen. One intern said, "It’s as good as chocolate." Because the plants play such a large and diverse role in human existence this people-plant connection touches us in so many different ways. For each person the connection is unique, a one of a kind, personal scrap book. The act of visiting this connection can provide a sense of place and purpose.
10. Spiritually.
Being with plants provided a sense of place in the universe, communion with nature and a sense of peace and harmony. Too often we think that we must be engaged in "activities," but sometimes "being" is activity enough. Sometimes opening the soul to the diversity of beauty is activity enough. To feel the leaves or smell the flowers can be an inspirational experience.
Potential risks in the Alzheimer’s garden
1. One of the big concerns with Alzheimer’s and gardening is the tendency to taste things like leaves, flowers and soil. When this is a problem then perhaps it’s time to engage in other activities than planting and growing live goods.
2. There is the concern about falling, or hurting oneself with the tools of gardening. There are adapted tools that are safer. Wisdom and caution must be exercised, along with vigilance.
3. Forgetting to care for the plant is one of the most common concerns, and it is valid. For the earlier stages this is not usually a problem, but as the process continues it is a reality. Individual "pet plants’ may have to be replaced with a community garden.
4. Some plants aren’t safe. We know the obvious ones like those with sharp spines, poison ivy or stinging nettles. But philodendron & tomato leaves and many of the common bulbs are toxic. We are in the process of writing a SafePlants/Dangerous Plants coloring book for use in senior care settings. Every hospital also has a list. If in doubt, contact poison control immediately.
5. The greater danger comes from pesticides on plants purchased from garden centers and the chemicals used bmaintenance. With the elderly, particularly those on some medications or health complications, the risk is much greater than it might be for a younger adult. It is best to grow plants organically to avoid the danger.
6. Too much sunshine and heat can be dangerous to the frail elderly and those on certain medications. Dehydration can also cause serious problems. This is why we advise structures for shade, places to sit, lots of water and constant monitoring.
2. There is the concern about falling, or hurting oneself with the tools of gardening. There are adapted tools that are safer. Wisdom and caution must be exercised, along with vigilance.
3. Forgetting to care for the plant is one of the most common concerns, and it is valid. For the earlier stages this is not usually a problem, but as the process continues it is a reality. Individual "pet plants’ may have to be replaced with a community garden.
4. Some plants aren’t safe. We know the obvious ones like those with sharp spines, poison ivy or stinging nettles. But philodendron & tomato leaves and many of the common bulbs are toxic. We are in the process of writing a SafePlants/Dangerous Plants coloring book for use in senior care settings. Every hospital also has a list. If in doubt, contact poison control immediately.
5. The greater danger comes from pesticides on plants purchased from garden centers and the chemicals used bmaintenance. With the elderly, particularly those on some medications or health complications, the risk is much greater than it might be for a younger adult. It is best to grow plants organically to avoid the danger.
6. Too much sunshine and heat can be dangerous to the frail elderly and those on certain medications. Dehydration can also cause serious problems. This is why we advise structures for shade, places to sit, lots of water and constant monitoring.
Tools for the Discovery Garden
Sensory stimulation, the scratch & sniff landscape
Experiencing with our senses has the potential to temporarily improve cognition, provide opportunities for conversation and give pleasure. When Gary found the apricots on the tree at
the far end of the stroll garden he picked a hat full and brought them back to the activity room to share with his friends. He couldn’t remember the name of this delicious fruit, but he knew it was something everyone would enjoy. When Marilyn picked the daisy she remembered perfectly the "he loves me, he loved me not" ritual, even though she couldn’t remember her husband’s name. Erma was absolutely enthralled with the Monarch butterfly and followed it around the garden for over twenty minutes.
Creating the sensory garden can be an empowering experience and a great project for staff and residents or clients and a opportunity to work together.
A. We suggest that you bring a professional horticultural therapist in to help with the initial phases of the creation of a therapy garden. If possible this is a professional who can visit weekly or monthly.
B. Don’t try to plant the entire garden at once. This is best created in small steps, adding a plant or two at a time. Keep in mind that this can be both indoors and out.
C. Provide time and opportunities for everyone to share comments, observations and stories.
D. Most of the sensory plants should be accessible. They need to be close enough to be felt, smelled, and talked to.
E. Know which plants are safe and which ones can be toxic.
F. Use non-plant materials, statuary, flags, fountains, ponds, plastic butterflies, spinners and whatever great ideas appear.
G. Provide opportunities for activities using what is being grown. Gourds into rattles, sunflowers into a bird feeder, pumpkins into Jack-O-Lanterns or pumpkin pies, ginger or mint into tea, dandelion stems into chains.
H. Attract wildlife including butterflies, hummingbirds, songbirds, and even a Wooly Bear caterpillar (they will feed on dandelion leaves until they spin a cocoon).
I. It’s easy to incorporate reminisce plants into the sensory garden. Give the residents/clients an opportunity to identify and suggest candidates for the garden. Use pictures of real, live plants to initiate a response.
Going beyond the five physical senses is one of the goals of a sensory
garden. There are opportunities to discover the emotional senses including, but
not limited to:
Sense of self - reclaiming memories and habits identity within family and culture
Sense of place - where I am right now
Sense of being - I garden, therefor I am
Sense of belonging - being a part of a group provides friendship, socialization & mutual support
Sense of purpose - I am needed again, I have responsibility
Sense of imagination - new experiences trigger both past and future
Sense of humor - this is great medicine
Sense of discovery - inspires and empowers
Sense of spiritual connectedness - we are not alone
Sharing the experience makes it so much richer, even if it’s momentary awareness.
There is the opportunity for socialization. Conversation may be in disjointed comments. Statements may be wrong, but this doesn’t matter and correction isn’t necessary or useful. In fact it can be negative. Just let it be, simply celebrate the moment.
1. One-on-one or groups is a debate often heard among professionals, but it depends on the individuals involved. If group interaction makes someone feel uncomfortable then perhaps a family or staff member is the best one to share with, but small groups seem to energize many other people.
2. Looking for the surprise is a simple activity that has worked well in many adult day care programs. Staff places a couple items around the stroll garden or among the plants on the windowsill. Usually this is something whimsical or totally out of place. One of the most memorable was a purple teddy bear that appeared one day sitting under a bush reading a book. The lady who
discovered this surprise squealed with delight, sat down beside her new friend and began to read the book to him. She even named him Blue and he sat beside her in a chair of his own for lunch and even took part in the activities. They were the best of friends for months after she found him.
3. Treasure hunts have also been popular. A paper with pictures of items to be found is provided to each individual or team. They may include such items as a pinecone, a little American flag, a beanie baby, a silk flower, whatever is available. Often they end up having so much fun with what is found that the rest of the list is forgotten. That’s ok.
Keep it simple
Sensory overload can be a negative experience. Sometimes, in our attempt to provide as much sensory stimulation as possible we overdo it. We overload and overwhelm. This can result in frustration, antagonism, anger or simply shutting down. Avoid trying to manage the time spent in sensory programs. Let the flow of engagement be your guide. Remember that not only is the sensory plant providing stimulation, so are all the words being spoken, the movements of everyone nearby, and unplanned distractions. Avoiding corrections, lecturing and seizing teaching moments. This isn’t a classroom. These folks have moved
beyond that. Relax and enjoy the moment with them.
The Top Ten
In a poll among a series of Adult Day Care programs in Florida several years ago these were the top 10 favorite sensory plants. This will vary with the location, season and individuals involved but it’s a starting point.
1. Roses, color didn’t matter
2. Red geraniums
3. Mint
4. Tomato plants, note that tomato leaves are toxic
5. Rosemary
6. Strawberries
7. Pansies
8. Coleus for the colorful leaves
9. Gourds, both the plant and the fruit
10. Sunflowers
Runners up included; rubber tree plant, sensitive plant, lavender, hens & chicks and iris
Experiencing with our senses has the potential to temporarily improve cognition, provide opportunities for conversation and give pleasure. When Gary found the apricots on the tree at
the far end of the stroll garden he picked a hat full and brought them back to the activity room to share with his friends. He couldn’t remember the name of this delicious fruit, but he knew it was something everyone would enjoy. When Marilyn picked the daisy she remembered perfectly the "he loves me, he loved me not" ritual, even though she couldn’t remember her husband’s name. Erma was absolutely enthralled with the Monarch butterfly and followed it around the garden for over twenty minutes.
Creating the sensory garden can be an empowering experience and a great project for staff and residents or clients and a opportunity to work together.
A. We suggest that you bring a professional horticultural therapist in to help with the initial phases of the creation of a therapy garden. If possible this is a professional who can visit weekly or monthly.
B. Don’t try to plant the entire garden at once. This is best created in small steps, adding a plant or two at a time. Keep in mind that this can be both indoors and out.
C. Provide time and opportunities for everyone to share comments, observations and stories.
D. Most of the sensory plants should be accessible. They need to be close enough to be felt, smelled, and talked to.
E. Know which plants are safe and which ones can be toxic.
F. Use non-plant materials, statuary, flags, fountains, ponds, plastic butterflies, spinners and whatever great ideas appear.
G. Provide opportunities for activities using what is being grown. Gourds into rattles, sunflowers into a bird feeder, pumpkins into Jack-O-Lanterns or pumpkin pies, ginger or mint into tea, dandelion stems into chains.
H. Attract wildlife including butterflies, hummingbirds, songbirds, and even a Wooly Bear caterpillar (they will feed on dandelion leaves until they spin a cocoon).
I. It’s easy to incorporate reminisce plants into the sensory garden. Give the residents/clients an opportunity to identify and suggest candidates for the garden. Use pictures of real, live plants to initiate a response.
Going beyond the five physical senses is one of the goals of a sensory
garden. There are opportunities to discover the emotional senses including, but
not limited to:
Sense of self - reclaiming memories and habits identity within family and culture
Sense of place - where I am right now
Sense of being - I garden, therefor I am
Sense of belonging - being a part of a group provides friendship, socialization & mutual support
Sense of purpose - I am needed again, I have responsibility
Sense of imagination - new experiences trigger both past and future
Sense of humor - this is great medicine
Sense of discovery - inspires and empowers
Sense of spiritual connectedness - we are not alone
Sharing the experience makes it so much richer, even if it’s momentary awareness.
There is the opportunity for socialization. Conversation may be in disjointed comments. Statements may be wrong, but this doesn’t matter and correction isn’t necessary or useful. In fact it can be negative. Just let it be, simply celebrate the moment.
1. One-on-one or groups is a debate often heard among professionals, but it depends on the individuals involved. If group interaction makes someone feel uncomfortable then perhaps a family or staff member is the best one to share with, but small groups seem to energize many other people.
2. Looking for the surprise is a simple activity that has worked well in many adult day care programs. Staff places a couple items around the stroll garden or among the plants on the windowsill. Usually this is something whimsical or totally out of place. One of the most memorable was a purple teddy bear that appeared one day sitting under a bush reading a book. The lady who
discovered this surprise squealed with delight, sat down beside her new friend and began to read the book to him. She even named him Blue and he sat beside her in a chair of his own for lunch and even took part in the activities. They were the best of friends for months after she found him.
3. Treasure hunts have also been popular. A paper with pictures of items to be found is provided to each individual or team. They may include such items as a pinecone, a little American flag, a beanie baby, a silk flower, whatever is available. Often they end up having so much fun with what is found that the rest of the list is forgotten. That’s ok.
Keep it simple
Sensory overload can be a negative experience. Sometimes, in our attempt to provide as much sensory stimulation as possible we overdo it. We overload and overwhelm. This can result in frustration, antagonism, anger or simply shutting down. Avoid trying to manage the time spent in sensory programs. Let the flow of engagement be your guide. Remember that not only is the sensory plant providing stimulation, so are all the words being spoken, the movements of everyone nearby, and unplanned distractions. Avoiding corrections, lecturing and seizing teaching moments. This isn’t a classroom. These folks have moved
beyond that. Relax and enjoy the moment with them.
The Top Ten
In a poll among a series of Adult Day Care programs in Florida several years ago these were the top 10 favorite sensory plants. This will vary with the location, season and individuals involved but it’s a starting point.
1. Roses, color didn’t matter
2. Red geraniums
3. Mint
4. Tomato plants, note that tomato leaves are toxic
5. Rosemary
6. Strawberries
7. Pansies
8. Coleus for the colorful leaves
9. Gourds, both the plant and the fruit
10. Sunflowers
Runners up included; rubber tree plant, sensitive plant, lavender, hens & chicks and iris