New Mobile Therapeutic Sensory Garden at Springpoint Engages Residents Cognitively and Creatively

Spring has arrived early at several Springpoint communities including Meadow Lakes, Stonebridge at Montgomery, and Village Point Rehabilitation and Healthcare, through a new partnership with Eldergrow. An award-winning organization, Eldergrow offers seniors living in residential and personal care communities a therapeutic connection to nature through innovative, indoor therapeutic garden programs all year long. A recent report from the University of Washington shows that horticultural therapy reduces depression; improves balance, coordination and endurance; and can lower the risk factors for dementia by 36 percent.

“Our team is always looking for new and innovative ways to engage our residents physically, socially, cognitively and spiritually,” said Anthony A. Argondizza, President and CEO of Springpoint. “The new gardens will give Springpoint residents the opportunity to create something with their own hands, giving them a sense of pride as they use the plants they grow for stimulating activities and culinary programs.”

This full-service horticulture program, led by Eldergrow’s on-site program educators, includes evidence-based therapeutic horticulture classes including culinary harvesting, garden art, and nature classes. The Eldergrow indoor gardens provide easy access for community members to stand or sit and participate in hands-on activities that measure wellness goals, such as sensory stimulation. The gardens are built in partnership with a job training program, which employs and trains veterans and people living with disabilities. The gardens are filled with only beautiful, non-toxic plants and organic soil.

“Eldergrow’s indoor therapy gardens not only bring nature indoors but provide residents with mental and physical stimulation, engage cognitive and creative function and stimulate each of the five senses,” said Orla Concannon, Eldergrow Founder and CEO. “We are excited to bring our mobile gardens to the residents at Springpoint’s Life Plan Communities so they can enjoy them all year long.”