Cultivating Community Through Gardening

Presbyterian Village North (PVN) recently began working with an on-site ElderGrow educator, who visits the Assisted Living residents twice a month, to teach classes, perform garden maintenance and provide residents with the opportunity to learn, create and socialize through gardening and plant education.

ElderGrow is a therapeutic horticulture program bringing nature inside, twelve months a year, improving life for the growing community of older adults living in residential and nursing care. This program, funded by the PVN Foundation for its residents, works with residents through the indoor sensory garden while providing horticulture education (showcasing a plant of the day) and leading hands-on crafting.

The following are some of the benefits of Therapeutic Horticulture:

• Stimulates all five sense and memory
• Reduces dementia risk factors by 36%
• Improves motor skills, self-esteem and sleep
• Reduces agitation in those living with dementia
• Calms the mind, Elevates mood and purifies the air

Between 12-15 PVN residents participate in each educational session and are encouraged to visit, tend and water the garden, located on the second floor of The Terraces, at their leisure. The simple act of nurturing plants offers the opportunity for learning, creativity and connection.