Benefits of WaterGardens

·        Healing Gardens

·        Research shows that being in nature, even viewing it can have a positive effect on the healing process

·        It has been shown that soothing sounds of flowing water helps reduce stress by increasing endorphin production.

·        One major aspect of stress in the medical setting is the feeling of loss of control

·        Offering the patient choices in their daily routine can help to restore this sense of control

·        Unlike the unfamiliar and sterile world of your establishment (nursing home/assisted living) the patients find (in a pond) a way to connect back to the familiar outside world

·        Helps the healing of both mind and body to advance more smoothly and greatly reduce the isolation feeling patients often get

·        A water garden provides a place outdoors where healing and reconnection with nature can begin

·        Water Features …enrich and improve the lives of patients and the environments of medical facilities

 

·        Golden Isles Hospice of Brunswick, GA

o       Installed a bubbling fountain and pondless waterfall

o       Gazebo nearby where anyone can relax and enjoy the calming sounds of the water

 

·        Center for Health Systems and Design at TexasA&MUniversity

o       Study found that surgical patients took less pain medication when they had a healing garden nearby to walk through as they recovered

o       Viewing a garden has the ability to reduce stress in employees and others within less than five minutes demonstrated by indicators such as blood pressure, heart activity, muscle tension and brain electrical activity

   

·        The EmenhiserInfusionTherapyCenter

o       The center rests within the unique healing garden,  bringing the elements of a natural environment directly to the practice of high-quality modern medicine

o       Several of the treatment areas feature floor-to-ceiling views of the healing garden

 

·        The Oaks at Limestone Nursing Home Gainesville, GA

o       Has been using a therapeutic garden for several years

o       Bubbling fountain in the interior courtyard

o       “The families really, really love it.  The water fountain is really soothing.  When residents are able to go outside, they love just sitting and enjoying the sound of water”

 

·        North ShoreMedicalCenter, Salem, MA

o       NSMC’s HealingGardens features paths accessible for wheelchairs and hospital beds —enabling even seriously ill patients to spend time with their loved ones in the peaceful presence of familiar trees, flowers and birds. 

 

·        Purdue University Study

o       Animal-Assisted Therapy & Nutrition in Alzheimer’s Disease

o       Fish aquariums

o       62 patients

o       16 weeks

o       Nutritional intake
increased significantly

o       Weight increased
significantly

o       Participants required less nutritional supplementation, resulting in health care cost savings