It’s sun, sea, and now flowers for the residents of our Swanage care home!
Residents of Gainsborough care home in Swanage, Dorset, are sunning themselves in the outdoor tea room, patio, and luscious garden. This is bursting with new colour after renovation, not by a gardener, but one resident; Shirley.
At home in nature
Gardens are important features of care homes because they give residents access to sunshine, nature and space for activities.
Shirley joined Gainsborough earlier this year. She is a friendly participant in home life, brightening every room – and now the garden.
Shirley spoke with Deputy Manager Dawn Hand and Gainsborough’s gardener about her plant plans. As a result, these vibrant flower beds blossomed, all thanks to Shirley’s skill. She is especially excited for budding sunflowers and tomato plants.
Perhaps it won’t be long before Gainsborough’s Chef, Jerome N’Gapele Coulibaly (shortlisted for NACC Care Chef of the Year award,) will be cooking with very local produce!
The benefits of making it your own
Gardening is a brilliant opportunity for residents to exercise motor skills. It is physically and mentally stimulating to help things grow.
It’s a priority of ours that residents feel empowered. At our Swanage care home, residents are encouraged to decorate bedrooms to their heart’s content, and have control over their surroundings.
Our care workers make sure all voices are heard, and welcome ideas that enhance the environment for everyone. As a result of Shirley’s contribution, she is now expecting a delivery of lavender next from the gardener!
The gardens at Swanage’s Gainsborough care home
Gainsborough features a pond, a bird bath, and secure, spacious and accessible lawns.
Skittles are played outdoors in fine weather. In addition, residents can enjoy drinks in the sun at the outdoor tea room, under the shade of a parasol. It is a perfect spot to watch the birds, and the sun from the garden lights up the indoor lounges.
Residents have plenty to do, and all have a big say in their environment. There’s room to be creative, make it your own and feel completely at home at our Swanage care home.