Our Outdoor Sensory Space

At Woodlands Care Home, we are excited to now have our own little sensory space in our garden. We previously had a hut within the grounds which wasn't being used and so decided to turn this into an activity where our residents and their loved ones could also get involved. Some helped in practical ways such as painting and some provided us with a good blether and inspiration whilst transforming the space.

With the nice weather starting to arrive in Aberdeen we wanted to make sure there was a space for our residents to be able to sit in our garden and feel tranquil and peaceful, which has some cover to protect from the elements, with all their senses engaged.

This charming outside space residents and their families can use to connect but also for people to have some time to themselves, and it has a roof so it can be used all year round.

We believed it was important to create an area within our home that enhances the senses. The hut provides a dedicated space designed to stimulate the senses and create a calming and therapeutic environment for many people.

As people age, their sensory perceptions may decline. A sensory room offers various stimuli to engage the senses, such as soothing lighting, relaxing sounds, tactile materials, and visually stimulating elements.

We have included lots of different sensory options:

Things to smell - plants, (mint, rosemary, thyme, lavender).

Things to touch - shells, feathers, stones, hanging plants, green foliage.

Things to listen to - wind chimes, windmills, attracting birds.

Our residents also decorated birdhouses which have been put up on each end and we look forward to seeing the many birds fly in and out. Everyone is very proud of what has been achieved and the sensory space it is now being used daily which is fantastic to witness. Thank you to everyone who came together to make it happen to make our care home in Aberdeen even more lovely!