Balhousie Care Group has kicked off Dementia Awareness Week Scotland with the opening of a dementia-friendly garden which has been a collaboration between residents, staff and a local Men’s Shed.

The outdoor garden and putting green have a purple theme, which is the brand colour of Alzheimers Scotland, in recognition of the positive influence of the charity on Balhousie Care’s dementia practices. Alzheimers Scotland is the organisation behind Dementia Awareness Week.

Residents, relatives, Carse of Gowrie Men’s Shed members and local police officers joined Balhousie Clement Park staff for a garden party on Monday (3rd) to celebrate the opening.

The city centre care home had been under-utilising the garden. Knowing the benefits of the outdoors and exercise on physical and mental wellbeing, staff, residents and volunteers developed a multi-purpose garden and putting green in collaboration with the local Carse of Gowrie Men’s Shed. The Men’s Shed members built the wooden crazy golf holes.

Emma Roberts, Dementia Nurse Advisor for Balhousie Care Group, who headed up the project, said: “The garden was a real labour of love and ended up serving so many different purposes. It has provided a stimulating outdoor space for residents, and friendships and bonds were formed with the Men’s Shed volunteers, some of whom have members with dementia. It has helped residents and staff feel part of their local community, which is a primary purpose of all of our care homes.”

Terry Howson, Trustee of the Carse of Gowrie Men’s Shed, said the two organisations shared the same aims. He said: “To be a partner in a project to develop a multi-purpose garden has been a great benefit to our members, allowing them to be creative and use the skills they have. One of the aims of the Men’s Shed Group is to help promote the wellbeing of those who attend through a range of activities, the development of friendships and social interaction, which is in line with the aims of Balhousie Clement Park.”

For further information contact Gillian Drummond on
gillian.drummond@balhousiecare.co.uk  Tel: 01738 254254 x 223 or 07365 284994