Spring focus

Spring has sprung, FINALLY! So I thought I would share with you a slice of my Willows focus for activities this Spring and how it relates to your loved ones here in the Willows.​
What we do each day is related to what is needed of us in life, and our preferences. Our activities fulfill us. Did you know activities are one of the most important elements of healthy living? Let's explore.
Activities, how we spend our time, hold tremendous value, including offering cognitive and physical stimulation as well as providing opportunities for purpose, joy, socialization, and pleasure. This is true for all of us, even for those living with dementia.
Those who are living without limitations may be able to engage in what they want, when they want, independently. But when a person is living with dementia, they become more dependent on others to help them to successfully participate in the activities they want and need to do. Due to their cognitive limitations, they need support to initiate, engage or complete. But the need for cognitive support should never be confused with a person not wanting to engage in activities. And we must never assume activity participation loses its rich value and positive impact on health and quality of life.
The Benefits of Gardening... It's spring, so how about we talk through the many amazing therapeutic benefits of one of my beloved activities? Let's explore some of the wonderful health and well-being benefits derived from gardening:
Physical Exercise: strength, range of motion, balance, flexibility, and fine and gross motor coordination.
Cognitive Exercise: planning, problem-solving, prioritizing, sequencing, and all types of memory and attention.
Emotional Enrichment: a sense of purpose and pleasure. If gardening in a group, we can also find the emotional benefits of socialization. For many, like myself, there is peace and joy derived from simply being outside, where most gardening activities occur. We may connect with memories that bring us happiness. There are just too many benefits to list.