Spring Break
North Providence garden brings therapeutic benefits to elderly
Whitney Tallarico
Issue date: 10/8/08 Section: News
10/08/08 - Morgan Fielder and Wendy Baker, two students in the doctorate of physical therapy program at the University of Rhode Island, decided to use their leadership project as a way to improve the livelihood of geriatric patients.
"Morgan and I looked into the benefits both physiologically and emotionally in participating in a therapeutic garden," Baker said. "We found several studies that support these benefits for all populations."
After researching, they needed to get to work. Their first step was to figure out a way to provide gardens that would be easily accessible to senior citizens.
"We started this project by asking a contractor to help design garden boxes that would be accessible by wheelchair and walkers," Baker said. "The boxes were designed to allow freedom of movement for patients of all functional levels."
The plans provided a way for geriatrics to work on the gardens, but the question of who would provide financial support for the project was still unanswered.
After pitching their plan to a few corporations, they were able to raise funds from Marasco & Nesselbush, LLC and the Embolden Design Company. They financed the building of the tables and the resources necessary for the first gardens, but later applied for and received a $3,000 grant that would fund the project's future.
After several weeks of building and installing 19 handicapped-accessible tables in Golden Crest Nursing Home in North Providence, the Fielder and Baker filled the boxes with soil and allowed staff and residents of Golden Crest to do the rest.
"Our focus has been initially with the geriatrics population with hopes of expanding this to pediatrics. Allowing patients to work outside and with their hands allows them a sense of accomplishment all the while promoting physical activity and movement. As physical therapists we are all about movement, as well as health and wellness," said Baker.
"I can't express to you how wonderful it is to see these residents get excited about their involvement with this project," said Baker. "They have taken over this project as though it was their home garden and take pride in the fruit of their labors. This project has filled up their days and allows them to share this with their families."
The program has so far been successful, Baker said.
The residents and staff of Golden Crest will be taking over the gardening completely come next spring, and Fielder and Baker are already going on to start up another program for young students at the Meeting Street School in Providence.
In addition to teaching the students how to plant, "We will also educate these students on grant writing in hopes of procuring more funds for further garden projects," said Baker.
Baker reflected on the project.
"As physical therapy students we are so concerned with what is high tech and 'young'," she said. "Everyone wants to be involved in the progressive treatment of athletes and we forget about the simple benefits of getting down and dirty with nature. Providing this activity allows the participants a sense of accomplishment all the while providing a hidden exercise program."
"Morgan and I looked into the benefits both physiologically and emotionally in participating in a therapeutic garden," Baker said. "We found several studies that support these benefits for all populations."
After researching, they needed to get to work. Their first step was to figure out a way to provide gardens that would be easily accessible to senior citizens.
"We started this project by asking a contractor to help design garden boxes that would be accessible by wheelchair and walkers," Baker said. "The boxes were designed to allow freedom of movement for patients of all functional levels."
The plans provided a way for geriatrics to work on the gardens, but the question of who would provide financial support for the project was still unanswered.
After pitching their plan to a few corporations, they were able to raise funds from Marasco & Nesselbush, LLC and the Embolden Design Company. They financed the building of the tables and the resources necessary for the first gardens, but later applied for and received a $3,000 grant that would fund the project's future.
After several weeks of building and installing 19 handicapped-accessible tables in Golden Crest Nursing Home in North Providence, the Fielder and Baker filled the boxes with soil and allowed staff and residents of Golden Crest to do the rest.
"Our focus has been initially with the geriatrics population with hopes of expanding this to pediatrics. Allowing patients to work outside and with their hands allows them a sense of accomplishment all the while promoting physical activity and movement. As physical therapists we are all about movement, as well as health and wellness," said Baker.
"I can't express to you how wonderful it is to see these residents get excited about their involvement with this project," said Baker. "They have taken over this project as though it was their home garden and take pride in the fruit of their labors. This project has filled up their days and allows them to share this with their families."
The program has so far been successful, Baker said.
The residents and staff of Golden Crest will be taking over the gardening completely come next spring, and Fielder and Baker are already going on to start up another program for young students at the Meeting Street School in Providence.
In addition to teaching the students how to plant, "We will also educate these students on grant writing in hopes of procuring more funds for further garden projects," said Baker.
Baker reflected on the project.
"As physical therapy students we are so concerned with what is high tech and 'young'," she said. "Everyone wants to be involved in the progressive treatment of athletes and we forget about the simple benefits of getting down and dirty with nature. Providing this activity allows the participants a sense of accomplishment all the while providing a hidden exercise program."
