Cabrini Brighton patients can now cultivate and enjoy a sensory herb garden at the hospital.
Resident chef Daryl Morris is on a newly formed committee, focused on projects to enhance the hospital stay for patients with dementia.
The garden opened in May and is the committee’s first completed project. It was designed to encourage patients to reflect on their childhood.
“Reminiscing is a great thing for dementia patients. The older-style herbs help them think back to their childhood and many of those memories put them in a good place. The smells can help trigger those memories as well,” Mr Morris said.
He added that many dementia patients wanted to feel useful, rather than sitting in bed.
“Once the garden is a little more established, patients will have the opportunity to go out and do some weeding, watering or pruning. It will also provide a nice place for them to spend time with family, friends and other patients.”
Mr Morris said the garden would serve many purposes.
“The garden is a great initiative by the hospital and we’ll be able to utilise the herbs in the kitchen as well,” he said.
With more than 40 years’ experience in the restaurant industry, Mr Morris now demonstrates his love of cooking through the delicious and nutritious meals he prepares for patients at Cabrini Brighton.
“This is my first experience working in a hospital and I love it. To be serving appetising, nutritious food to people who need it is incredibly rewarding.”
For information about Cabrini’s community dementia nursing service visit: www.cabrini.com.au/chronicdisease
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