The Healing Garden at Kernan Hospital provides a unique environment for patients, families, staff and visitors. It has been designed as a therapeutic tool for teaching our patients how to deal with physical challenges as they transition into the community; or renew their interest in a past leisure activity of gardening.
This therapy opportunity will enhance cognitive and physical skills for negotiating their way around their home and community environment once they leave the hospital. It offers visitors and families space to relax in a beautiful, quiet, natural setting. Employees can explore personal needs for relaxation or revitalization in a quiet, contemplative setting.
Studies have shown a link between a patient's physical enivironment and their ability to manage pain and heal. Utilizing this harmonious balance between body and mind, the garden has been designed to stimulate one's visual, auditory and olfactory senses through the choice of plants, sound and color.
Various ground patterns and textures were incorporated to challenge the mobility skills and prepare patients for their return to the community. The Garden works in tandem with western medicine, imbuing it with beauty, serenity and a more holistic apporach.
Designing a therapeutic/adaptive garden takes careful planning. Considerations include:
Creating and maintaining a garden requires the nurturing hands of the gardener along with some essential gardening tools. There are several ways to modify tools for gardeners of differing abilities. Tool modifications may include:
Kernan's Healing Garden stimulates the whole person:
Physical
Cognitive
Social/Emotional