Debunking Myths: The Transformative Power of The Red Shed

Here at The Red Shed we have encountered many misconceptions about the abilities of those living with dementia.

“What’s the point of a garden club if they have dementia? They can’t do a lot, and will they remember what they have done?”

This question reflects very quickly a negative assumption around dementia and instantly overlooks the profound benefits and possibilities that not only our garden club can offer, but also what our folk are able to achieve in their day-to-day life. It is essential to recognise that people living with dementia are capable of a lot more than what you might initially think, and The Red Shed’s aim is to tap into those abilities by providing a supporting and stimulating environment to engage them in meaningful activities.

People living with dementia often retain a variety of skills that they can continue to use in their daily lives bringing joy and purpose to their routines. For instance, one of our gardeners has a passion for art. She frequently spends time in the garden showcasing her amazing artistic abilities through drawings and paintings that are inspired by the garden. We have some folk attend who are more mobile and handy, they often want to use skills to repair or construct, using tools and materials from the garden; we recently had some help build wooden platners for use in the garden.     

Our Garden Clubs are great for promoting physical activity – Simple tasks such as planting seeds, watering plants and weeding keep our folk physically active, which is crucial for maintaining mobility and overall health. Physical activity as we know is also great for improving mood and reducing symptoms of anxiety.

The Red Shed is full of sensory experiences – The sight of colourful flowers, the smell of fresh herbs, the feel of soil and the sound of the birds… these sensory experiences can trigger positive memories and emotions, providing comfort and joy in the lives of our folk.

We encourage the skill of social interaction – our garden clubs are all about community and our folk work together on projects, share stories, listen and enjoy each other’s company. Social interaction is vital for mental health, to help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness that are common among those living with dementia and their carers.

Did you also know that gardening activities are great for stimulating and enhancing cognitive function. Following instructions, planning, recalling plant names – these are all exercises that keep the mind active. Whilst some participants may not remember every detail of what they have done, the process of engaging in these activities is beneficial in itself.  

Most importantly, our core belief is helping our folk living with dementia showcase what it is they can do in the garden and enjoy themselves in the process. The joy of seeing a flower bloom, the pride in harvesting a vegetable and the pleasure of spending time outdoors are moments of happiness that significantly contribute to overall wellbeing.

We like to think that The Red Shed’s is a testament to the fact that people living with dementia can still lead fulfilling, meaningful lives. By focusing more on what folk can do and enjoy, we help them, and their carers experience the positive impact of nature and the community.