When a Garden is More Than a Garden

  I just had a great conversation with residents at Cohen-Rosen House about the approach of spring and upcoming plans for our garden.

“What should we grow in our garden?” I asked. “What did you grow in your garden?  Fruits, vegetables, herbs?” I explained that everything we grow here can be used in the Cohen-Rosen kitchen and this was greeted with surprise and delight.

The conversation moved on to tomatoes. “Are they a vegetable or fruit?  And what about eggplants: vegetable or fruit?”

This is an encouraging example of how interest and anticipation can arise from a simple discussion of a life-long pleasure.

Caregivers might enjoy reading “Gardens for People with Dementia” at http://bit.ly/Zm7c6a.

The Beauty of Art…as Therapy

   A fascinating article titled Art Therapy Innovation, written by art therapist Erin Partridge, supports what I regularly witness in my work: “Living with dementia does not mean an end to expression and innovation.” Partridge describes a creative project that should be a solid dose of inspiration for anyone – professionals and family members alike – who provides daily care for individuals experiencing cognitive decline. I plan to share this with my own recreation specialists. Check it out at http://bit.ly/12XFP9l.