At Hayward, we believe in promoting a lifestyle that includes as many opportunities to enjoy the natural world as possible, whether it’s spotting wildlife in our beautifully maintained garden, drinking tea on the sunny patio, or taking leisurely walks around our grounds. Here are our five reasons why our garden is so important to us at Hayward Care Centre.  

A Boost to Physical Health

Engaging in outdoor activities, even simple ones like strolling around the garden, significantly benefits physical health. Exposure to sunlight helps the body produce Vitamin D, crucial for maintaining bone health and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Additionally, physical activities such as gentle weeding, can improve cardiovascular health, enhance mobility, and increase overall strength and endurance. 

We have put a lot of thought into how to make our grounds more accessible to everyone that lives at Hayward, and so we were delighted to receive recognition in this year’s Trust in Bloom competition for our handmade raised beds. They are at just the right height to allow our residents to reach them, to plant flowers or grow their own vegetables, without having to bend down.

Enhancing Mental Wellbeing

But it’s not just physical health that is important to us at Hayward. Nature has a remarkable ability to uplift the spirit and improve mental health. The tranquillity of a garden, the soothing sounds of birdsong, and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze create a calming environment that promotes relaxation. 

We are very fortunate here to have some mature trees just beyond our fence, and lots of well-established shrubs and plants in our garden, so it’s teeming with wildlife. Next time you’re passing, pop in and see what you can spot. We have pictures and information all along our back fence of the birds and animals residents and their families, and staff, have seen in the garden.

Fostering Social Connections

We might be biased, but we think our garden at Hayward is the perfect space for catching up, especially in the summer. Whether it’s chatting with fellow residents on the patio, participating in group gardening activities, or simply enjoying a cup of tea with friends under a shady tree, these moments of connection are vital. 

Social engagement helps foster a sense of community and belonging. It’s a wonderful way for residents to bond, share stories, and build lasting friendships, and at this time of year, the roses smell divine!

Improved Cognitive Function

Engaging with nature stimulates the mind, there’s no doubt about it. Watching and observing the changes in the environment around us, such as when the different flowers bloom, or the changing seasons, keeps our minds active and engaged. We learn so much from our residents who have been gardening for years and who notice that certain flowers should be out by now, or that a crop is later this year because of the rain. It’s wonderful to hear them reminisce and share their stories.

Creating a Welcoming Outdoor Environment

At Hayward Care Centre, we strive to create a welcoming and accessible outdoor environment for all our residents to enjoy. Our garden is designed with easy-to-navigate pathways, comfortable seating areas, and plenty of shaded spots to ensure everyone can enjoy the outdoors safely and comfortably. 

We encourage all residents to take advantage of these spaces, whether it’s to enjoy a quiet moment alone or participate in our various outdoor activities and events. And when the weather is really bad, there’s a lovely spot in our café, just in front of the big windows, where you can sit and watch the world go by.

And there are just five reasons why our garden is so important to us at Hayward Care Centre. Next time you’re passing, call in and have a look for yourself. And if you’re looking for a care home in Devizes, get in touch – we would love to hear from you.