“They thrive outdoors”

The associates at Ridge Crest at Meadow Ridge know firsthand how beneficial the outdoors can be for memory care residents. They see it every time a resident steps into the courtyard.

“That sunshine is magic,” says Maura Nemer, memory care programming coordinator at Ridge Crest. “Watching them walk out into the courtyard is like watching someone walk outside on the first beautiful day of summer. That emotion for us only happens a few times a year. Our residents feel that every single time they walk outside, and they hang onto that feeling.”

Ridge Crest provides award-winning memory care, assisted living, and skilled nursing and rehab within Meadow Ridge, Redding’s premier continuing care retirement community. It sits on 136 hilltop acres, providing the perfect backdrop for any outdoor activity. Ridge Crest’s courtyard is surrounded by extensive, non-toxic landscaping and a walking path. During the warm months, Nemer and her colleagues move as many of activities outside as possible—lawn games, karaoke, social hours with live music, chair yoga, gardening and more. “We adore our courtyard. It is our little sanctuary,” says Nemer.

Growing research shows that being outdoors has tremendous physical and mental health benefits for everyone, especially seniors living with dementia. Nature has a calming effect, both enhancing mood and reducing anxiety, which is a common dementia symptom. Outdoor activities can also stimulate cognitive function and help improve sleep. The Ridge Crest team observes all these benefits, especially when residents tend to the garden.

“Being out under the sun and in the earth grounds our residents,” says Nemer. “We observe that taking a walk outside or getting their hands into the soil of our garden changes the direction of their mindset in that moment. Taking care of something and bringing life into their outdoor space gives them a sense of purpose that we cannot create the same way during our activities inside.”

“We’re fortunate to have a beautiful setting that naturally lends itself to be a healing environment,” says Ridge Crest Memory Care Director Adelino Barata. “Our team takes every opportunity they can to use the outdoors to promote engagement, healing, and joy.”

Of course, associates are diligent about making sure residents stay hydrated and are protected from over-exposure. But it is clear that both residents and associates alike look forward to a sunny, summer day.

“It is really wonderful and a privilege to watch the healing benefits that nature has for our residents,” says Nemer. “They thrive outdoors.”