A Stockland CARE grant has enabled Warrah to introduce a therapeutic gardening initiative for some of our senior residents, residing in two of Warrah’s homes, in Baulkham Hills. The purpose-built group homes, managed by Warrah Society provide supported independent living services to residents with a range of disabilities.
Warrah planned to initiate therapeutic gardening for residents in these homes, to cultivate health and wellbeing benefits. This has been particularly important for residents during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative also aligns with Warrah’s Elders Strategy which focuses on how we can better engage our ageing residents in purposeful and meaningful activities for overall wellbeing.
“Being able to install two raised Vegepods to grow herbs and vegetables with the Stockland CARE grant, has provided real benefits for our residents who have various physical as well as intellectual disabilities. The accessible Vegepods have enabled our residents who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids to engage in the set up and care of the new gardens with fellow residents,” the Executive Manager Disability Services from Warrah said.
The new garden beds are situated between the two homes on the one property, in a sunny location for all our residents to enjoy and engage with.
“The new garden beds facilitate social interaction and an opportunity for gentle exercise outdoors. They also produce a range of fresh organic herbs and vegetables for shared meals,” he said.
The new garden beds also provide reminiscent therapy benefits to our ageing residents who previously enjoyed gardening in their younger years. Warrah’s Senior Coordinator – Therapeutic Gardening said he is pleased with how well the residents have received and engaged with the new garden program and intends to roll out the initiative in Warrah’s other supported independent living homes in the area.
Warrah Society is a not-for-profit (registered charity) organisation offering quality supports for adults and children in Sydney’s North West. Warrah offers services to support people in the choices they have made for their life journey.
