Why have gardens been underused in care home settings in the past, even when they're designed to be used?
This episode, my guest is Debbie Carroll. Debbie is a Southampton based garden designer with experience in designing for care homes and other health settings for residents with dementia. Her work in these surroundings prompted her to question why these gardens were not more actively used even when they were designed to the latest design guidance. Along with her fellow designer Mark Rendell they researched what hindered engagement with the garden, in particular for people living with dementia.
About Debbie Carroll
Debbie Carroll is a Southampton based garden designer celebrating 20 years as a designer. She is passionate about gardens being well used and well-loved long after she has left. Her experience in designing for care homes and other health settings for residents with dementia prompted the question of why gardens were not more actively used even when designed to the latest design guidance. Along with her fellow designer Mark Rendell they researched what hindered engagement with the garden, in particular for people living with dementia.
Step Change Design Ltd was formed 10 years ago to share the findings of this study and has since published their ‘Why don’t we go into the garden?’ series of books and tools. These support both the care sector towards more person-centred care and designers in working effectively alongside them. Their ultimate aim is to enable residents to continue to step outside as and when they choose and for gardens to be well-used and much loved long after the designer has left.
Links
- Summary of Step Change’s research
- Free resources – loads of articles on the Step Change download page
- Books & tools – ‘Why don’t we go into the garden?’ series of books and tools
Webinars:
- Webinar Debbie did for Salford Age UK. YouTube
- Panel webinar for the Dementia Housing group
Other episodes if you liked this one:
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