Glasgow care home to create dementia memorial garden for residents

Nazareth Care Home in the city's Paisley Road West will be creating the 'sensory' garden to allow residents to grow their own plants and put a bit more independence and freedom into their own hands.

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The idea came after staff found the garden to be 'a wasted space' that was not being utilised properly. But now, with plans already underway for the new space, a buzz has sparked amongst residents and staff.

General manager of Nazareth Care Home, Donna Conlon, said: "The residents are really excited, as are we. We all just want to see it finished.

“We plan to make the garden a bit more even for our residents by flattening the grass and creating more defined and easy-to-walk-on paths.

"We want to put in brighter colours, nice smells, and raised beds to create a nice space for them which provides a bit of interaction and stimulation.

"For those with dementia, outdoor space is really important, and hopefully the smells and touch might even bring back memories for some.

"We are thinking that by this time next year the garden will be done, and it will be incredible."

The team also plan to use the garden as a memorial hub for previous residents who have sadly passed away.

The space will create a place for the home to pay their honours and for families of past loved ones to visit.

Stella Sneddon, whose late dad lived in the care home and whose mum, Kathy, currently does, has been one of the spearheading forces behind the funding campaign.

Upon the garden's completion, the 57-year-old hopes to have a 'few shamrocks' in her dad, Denis McAuley's honour, including a memorial bench.

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Denis, originally from Donegal, was one of the Donegal Tunnel Tigers and helped build the Clyde Tunnel. 

Stella said: "I walked the Kiltwalk in memory of my dad in order to raise funds for this (the garden).

"I've raised £1,010 from the Kiltwalk and our family as well as others have raised quite a bit to get the garden off the ground.

"This garden will be used all year round and will be wonderful during Christmas time too for residents and their families.

"As well, older people in the home will be able to use their skills in the garden. Usually when people see an old person that’s all they see, but that person had a skill in their life and had a career and that’s what will be remembered here."

With Stella's efforts, alongside the care homes' and residents' families, the funds for the garden are currently sitting at around the £6,000 mark.

However, the home is eager to get as much funding as possible to make this space as wonderful as can be for its residents.

The home also admitted that finding a contractor for the work has been a sincere struggle due to companies having limited capacity for the adventurous project.  

So, if you would like to donate to the project or volunteer your services, you can contact the home via their WEBSITE or call on 0141 891 8882. 

You can donate to Stella's fundraiser by clicking HERE