OHCA The Oregon Caregiver Spring Summer 2021

www.ohca.com SPRING/SUMMER 2021 The Oregon Caregiver 19 Gardens and green spaces are already known as therapeutic areas for all individuals. Improved cognition and sleep, lower stress levels, and bolstered vitamin D levels may all be experienced as a result of spending time outdoors. SPONSORED CONTENT CONTINUES » • Gardening • Sound bathing, which refers to relaxing to nature’s sounds like the rustle of leaves in the wind, chirping birds, and raindrops • Eating/drinking • Bird watching • Doing meditation and breathing exercises • Exercising • Reading • Taking photographs • Experiencing a vintage car or other décor • Taking physical or occupational therapy There are steps that can be taken to ensure that seniors take advantage of these spaces! Develop a culture of buy-in amongst residents and staff to be sure everyone is reaping the benefits of having this space available. Here are some steps to help enhance usage of green spaces: 1. Provide easy access and make it known. a. Make sure visibility of outdoor spaces is provided, with nearby doorways to provide access. Offer to give residents tours of the outdoor space so they know where it is, how to access it, where the nearest restroom is, and how to ask for assistance in visiting outdoors. Let families know they can use the green space for visiting their loved ones. 2. Make it usable. a. Build raised bed gardens that seniors can use from a standing, seated, or wheelchair-access height, b. Limit steps and stairs for safety and ease of use,