Helen developed and implemented a Therapeutic Horticulture Program in collaboration with and under the direction of the Director of Educational Services at Timber Ridge. Goals of the program are to teach basic life skills; provide the clients with a sense of accomplishment; a sense of joy; a sense of belonging to a group working together towards a common goal; seeing things through and a sense of purpose.

Providing Horticultural Therapy sessions to residents in Assisted Living and Memory Care on a weekly  basis. Following comments were from Staff who participate and support me during the HT sessions:

I think the program is great. Not only does it get residents active in actually getting to do hands-on activities, but also gets them to experience something many of them most likely did when they were younger, such as planting and pruning.

I love how many varying activities there are and all of my residents thoroughly love them. The hand warmers we made just recently, I actually brought out a residents and heated it up for her, she sure loved it!

I cannot wait to have more of these classes!

I think it has gone really well. It works well with the residents that can’t see because they can touch and smell.  The activities aren’t overly hard so it is fun for them and keeps their interest while providing them a little challenge to complete the tasks.

I think the HT program is a great addition. I watch our  residents reactions and involvement with Helen closely, and her activities provide interaction on so many levels..plus the fact that residents like and enjoy whatever activity she brings to them. Residents that tend to be observers most of the time have actually gotten involved in the programs. I feel that this year was a good start and gives us a lot to build on for next year.