Course Overview
In this workshop you will discover how to create a beautiful and therapeutic dementia-inclusive garden. Our tutor, Joyce, will guide you through growing a variety of colourful, budget-friendly plants that will bring joy all summer long. Using her expertise in sensory-enriching plants, Joyce will help you choose options that support both physical and psychological well-being. She’ll also offer practical tips to enhance any garden you already have.
The outdoors offers a wealth of opportunities for engagement, meaningful activity and occupation for people living with dementia.
About the Topic
Dementia-inclusive garden activities provide gentle sensory, social, and cognitive stimulation, enhance well-being, reduce stress, improve orientation to time and place, offer opportunities to enjoy the therapeutic effects of nature, evoke familiar roles and memories, and help maintain flexibility and muscle tone.
Intended Audience
Who is it for?
This course is suitable for:
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Healthcare professionals working in nursing homes, day centres, or hospitals.
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Activity coordinators and facilitators supporting people with mid to late-stage dementia.
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Carers and volunteers who wish to deliver structured, therapeutic activities.
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Managers and educators seeking to integrate evidence-based engagement tools into their care practice.
Your Learning Journey
Learning Objectives
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- use colourful, budget-friendly plants to provide gentle sensory and cognitive stimulation.
- enhance existing gardens or bring the “outdoors in” for those who can no longer go outside.
- Explain the therapeutic value of nature for those living with dementia.
- Deliver horticultural therapy in a safe, beneficial, and risk-aware manner.
- Design small-scale dementia-inclusive garden areas.
- Develop nature-based activities for residents with limited mobility or indoor settings.
- Choose plants that maximize sensory impact while remaining budget-friendly.
Evidence-Based Practice
Evidence & Research
Read More
Delivery Format
Delivered online or inhouse on request
Certification / Accreditation
Those who complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion.
About the tutor
Joyce Fitzpatrick
This course is lead and facilitated by Social and Therapeutic Horticulturist Joyce Fitzpatrick who has an impressive history of supporting nursing home residents for nearly 20 years and has considerable experience in adapting & delivering projects to spread joy with a mixed ability group. Joyce is passionate about nature and the environment and brings a wealth of knowledge to each course with importance placed on assisting each learner within their specific situation.
Joyce is qualified in Botany, Biochemistry, Social and Therapeutic Horticulture from Coventry University and was trained in Dementia Care Mapping (Bradford).
Book Now
Take the Next Step in Dementia Care Training
Join our dementia care training courses and gain practical, evidence-based tools you can apply right away. Limited spaces available — reserve your place today and make a meaningful impact in care and connection. If you have any queries about any course, email admin@engagingdementia.ie or call +353 1 260 8138.
