The benefits of getting outdoors for dementia

The great outdoors can be one of the untapped resources for helping a loved one when it comes to dementia.

Most of us are aware of the benefits of spending a certain amount of time outdoors each week and try to fit this into our daily routines. The same is true for people living with dementia, and significant improvements to quality of life have been shown for those who can be assisted to spend time outdoors on a regular basis.

 

Physical and mental health benefits

There are many reasons why spending time outdoors could really benefit people living with dementia, including sufficient intakes of vitamin D. Lack of this vital vitamin is associated with a range of conditions including increased risk of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Lack of light can also result in poor sleep patterns as exposure to light is instrumental in setting the body clock.

In addition, getting fresh air and exercise is known to reduce stress levels and agitation, all important reasons to consider factoring in time for loved ones and for carers to incorporate periods of time outside. Even as little as 10 or 15 minutes per day has been shown to improve mood, reduce agitation and enhance sleep patterns for those in adult care services.

Another great reason to design spaces and opportunities for outdoor exercise or fresh air is that it breaks the routine that so many service users fall into and can encourage people to be more sociable and participate in light activities. This could be watering plants, light gardening, or for the less mobile just sitting outside to hear birdsong and experience daylight and fresh air which is known to have a soothing effect.

Reduction in cognitive decline

Even more importantly studies have shown that even light exercise and activity can help with cognitive decline and keep the brain active and slow down or ward off further cognitive deterioration. In older people this activity is synonymous with greater hippocampal volumes which is known to lead to improved spatial memory function. Exposure to bright light and moderate exercise was shown to improve the ability to communicate in a study of a group with Alzheimer’s disease.

Just as many of us can suffer Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, this can also be the case for people with dementia which provides yet another reason to encourage or facilitate outdoor activity where possible, and to tailor this to the needs of each individual. Even for people who are less mobile, simply sitting outside provides stimuli and fresh air.

Involving the family and carers

For many people involved with caring for their loved ones, there is often an overwhelming desire to protect them which can translate as staying indoors, and the thought of being outside can feel challenging and stressful. But, as with many areas of life, if carefully and appropriately planned it can be a real bonus for loved ones, service users and their respective carers.

Where family carers are involved in looking after relatives or loved ones, this exercise can also be beneficial to them as they may not be in good health or able to get out as much as they would like to. Where this is feasible, carers can begin to reap the benefits of being outdoors in order to keep active and reduce some of the stresses and strains of caring.

How care services play a role in green exercise

Progressive adult care services have long realised the huge advantages of designing a safe outdoor space where residents can sit out, interact with carers, other services users and their families and have a change of scenery in a green space. At Abbots Care we fully understand the need to address the requirements of our service users in a holistic way, which also means allowing space and time for outdoor activity and fresh air.

Simple outdoor activies can involve walking with service users or loved ones, making the most of fresh air and sunshine,  in activities or just appreciating nature. Another good idea can be a picnic outside and just being out for short periods of time.

Those who are considering care worker jobs undertake full Care Training and receive support to enable them to fully understand the needs of the people they will be supporting. For many, the work is extremely rewarding and becomes an end in itself for those who decide to go into this role. For others it provides invaluable experience that can lead to other jobs and careers in healthcare and associated professions.

Resources to support carers

The internet provides a range of resources for those who want inspiration or encouragement about how to incorporate outdoor activity into their routine, be that family carers, a care training provider, or those in care worker jobs who want new ideas. Organisations such as Dementia Adventure can recommend groups to support with outdoor activities in a range of locations across the country, and other sites such as Active Minds have nature activity packs to purchase and suggestions for care homes and those looking after family members. The Sensory Trust also have nature based dementia games, ideas and activities that can be found on their website.

If you would like advice regarding dementia, for a loved one or someone you care for, please contact our team of experts today 0330 094 5511 or view our dementia care services.

“The Care staff that are supporting my Mum through her care needs are extremely lovely and supportive. Our Mum has cancer and she is receiving the most excellent and caring support from all Staff. We would just like to say a huge thank you as we know that there is more difficult times ahead for us as a family. ”

Child of Service User, Buckinghamshire Branch

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