The Camellia Wing serves a dedicated assisted living unit for residents with Alzheimer’s disease. The Garden occupies an 11,000 sq. ft. courtyard space adjacent to the activity room. The goal of the garden was to improve the functional ability and quality of life for the residents, their families and guests, and staff of the unit through innovative design of the outdoor space. Design criteria were developed based on a thorough study of the disease, theory in the field of behavior-environment and environmental cognition, design for the elderly, and design for dementia.
Design of the Camellia Wing Garden focuses on the special needs of the residents through providing orientation, security, safety, stimulation, and autonomy. Simplicity of layout with an evenly graded paved wandering loop with handrail, accessible covered gazebo as landmark, and screening of exterior views provide orientation assistance. Safety and security are addressed by every detail from even grade connections to choice of plant material and gate closures. The trellis overhang and sturdy seating at the exit door from the unit provide a “safe” transition space between the garden and the activity room. Further security is provided by fixed seating choices every thirty feet along the walking path, lighting throughout the garden, radiant heat, paddle fan, and lighting in the gazebo.
Through careful design, the garden provides the positive stimulation of a restorative natural setting without the confusion and overstimulation of a formal landscape. Plant material was chosen for seasonal interest, color, texture, scent, wildlife attraction, and even (in the raised planter), taste. Elements were custom designed and installed to assist with activities, which will stimulate the residents. A large raised planter provides residents easy access to gardening activities. A workbench as well as tables and chairs in the gazebo are used for activities. The open lawn within the walking loop provides accessible space for group activities and social functions.
Loss of autonomy due to the restrictions placed on these residents is addressed directly by the garden space design. The garden is freely accessible to the residents in good weather, there is always a choice of seating (sun, shade, single, group, transition area, away from building entry, etc.), as well as choice of activities: walking, observing wildlife and plant material, group or individual activities.
The garden provides the residents with the beauty of nature which answers an instinctual need, stimulates the senses and evokes long-term memory associations still potent, and offers a secure setting in which to perform habitual activities and daily exercise. Boyd Heiderich Bargas Gilson, Inc., continues to monitor the use of the garden space and hopes to build on the research of design criteria for this special population.