For care organization De Riethorst Stromenland (as of 1 January further under the name MijZo) we have made a plan and design to set up an experience garden at the new building on the Geertruidenberg location. With space for lots of greenery and planting, interspersed with hiking trails with experience elements such as feel walls, sound instruments, fragrant planting, seating furniture and various surfaces. With seating, terraces and squares to meet and move. A wonderful plan that we started in the summer of 2020.
Experience garden for new construction
The location of De Riethorst Geertruidenberg focuses on the care and guidance of people with a combination of gerontopsychiatric and somatic complaints and provides care for people with dementia. Living in freedom is the starting point within De Riethorst. The choices for the design of the outdoor space in the new building are also tailored to this. The living facilities on the ground floor all overlook part of the gardens. At any time of the day there is the possibility to go to one of the central amenities or gardens.
Design concept
The design idea of Down Memory Lane, a design concept for the design of experience gardens for people with dementia, has been applied to the wishes and needs of this care organization. The design also takes into account the connection with the themes of the central rooms. For example, a sound instrument has been placed in the garden near the music room. And a chicken coop by the farm-themed living room. And how about the long promenade, which stretches all the way past the building. With a special therapy path with different surfaces and exercise options. These can of course be found in the close proximity of the occupational therapy room.
Work in progress
The corona crisis seemed to throw a spanner in the works, but it is precisely this time that makes it very necessary that the experience garden is also set up. In September, the residents already moved to their new accommodation. And how nice it is that the outdoor space is finished as soon as possible. So that the residents can also enjoy their new living environment outside. At the moment we are still working the work of this new experience garden. We look forward to letting all residents enjoy a beautiful and attractive outdoor space!
Also curious about the possibilities of a moving, diy or experience garden and what our design concepts can mean for your care organization? Contact our colleagues at Zorg: Dennis Hakkaart (Southern Netherlands) or Remco van de Berg (Northern Netherlands) for tailor-made advice or request a quote directly.