Robert - using and sharing life-long skills

Robert is 80 and lives in a care home for people with dementia. He enjoys being outdoors and when he lived in a house he cultivated the garden, growing a wide range of plants including vegetables. Recently the home linked up with a local school to work on some of the land around the home. Robert is one of the residents who worked alongside pupils to create a garden. They have built several raised beds that are easy to work on for people with limited flexibility and these are visible from the residents lounge. The produce is shared between the children and the residents.

The garden helps Robert to retain practical skills, provides an enjoyable activity and keeps him and other residents connected to the local community. It is also a focus of interest and conversation for residents. The children who work in the garden are learning new skills and finding out about history from residents as well as increasing their understanding of dementia.