A shared vision, plenty of helping hands and strong community support have helped bring a special new garden space to life at The Oaks Memory Support Unit.
Inspired by the interests of residents, the project transformed an existing garden area into a men's shed-inspired space designed to encourage connection, engagement and meaningful activity.
With support from Rodney and the team at the Baldivis Men's Shed, the area was enhanced with work benches, shelving, raised garden beds, a fiddle board, gardening tools and a men's shed sign, creating a welcoming environment where residents can spend time outdoors and engage in familiar activities.
The project was a true community effort. Residents rolled up their sleeves and helped bring the space to life by painting, sweeping and planting in the garden beds, creating a space they could proudly call their own.
Earlier this month, Reece Whitby MLA visited The Oaks to see the completed project. Reece and his team helped connect Brightwater with the Baldivis Men's Shed, supporting the partnership that made the project possible.
The impact of the garden is already being seen.
In fact, one resident has quickly made the garden his own. A lifelong gardener, he can often be found sweeping the paths or mowing the lawn with a modified mower, reconnecting with a simple joy that brings purpose to his day.
For people living with dementia, familiar routines and meaningful activities can play an important role in supporting wellbeing and quality of life.
The dedicated space has also created more opportunities for carers to engage residents in meaningful outdoor activities, with tools and activities readily available and easy to access.
Aroha Lucas, Service Manager at the Oaks residential aged care home said the garden's success comes from putting residents at the centre of the project from the very beginning.
"What makes this space so special is that it was created with our residents in mind from the very beginning,” she said.
“Watching residents naturally gravitate towards the garden, pick up a broom, tend to the plants or simply spend time in a familiar environment reminds us how important purposeful activity is for maintaining connection, dignity and quality of life.”
Brightwater extends its thanks to Rodney and the team at the Baldivis Men's Shed for their generosity, time and craftsmanship, as well as Reece Whitby MLA and his team for helping establish the connection that brought the project to life.
The collaboration is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when residents, families, staff and the wider community come together to create meaningful spaces where people can thrive, connect and belong.
