Tinley Park Seniors Harvest Memories, Veggies in Sensory Garden

For 90- year-old Carol Bitter, the touch and smell of soil brings back a host of memories, including winning three Mokena Beautification Awards in her son’s garden. She and her fellow residents at Porter Place, an Anthem Memory Care community, gave farm to table a new meaning when they turned their harvest into tomato and basil bruschetta at the community located at 17833 Harlem Ave., Tinley Park.

The group, which started their garden in the spring from seeds, has found they are yielding much more than tomatoes, flowers and fresh herbs.

“Sensory gardens have shown to decrease some of the debilitating aspects associated with dementia and can help improve the emotional stability of our residents with dementia,” said Jennifer Boonstra, life engagement director for Porter Place. “When our residents are helping to maintain the garden and cooking that harvest, it gives them a sense of purpose and joy, which makes them feel more at home.”

Nurturing the garden from seed to harvest also helps the residents recall memories as many had farms or gardens of their own. The sensory garden at Porter Place, helps to create a relaxing, multisensory, safe environment that decreases anxiety and stress that often occurs with dementia.

“There’s something magical about being able to grow your own vegetables,” said Boonstra. “Nurturing the garden side by side is energizing for everyone. This is a wonderful way to connect with the earth and their friends at the community.”

About Anthem Memory Care

Anthem's core purpose is to protect, engage, and love people living with memory loss and is committed to provide understanding and significance to people with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Anthem, based in Lake Oswego, Ore., operates and develops memory care communities in California, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Ohio and Washington. The company’s website is AnthemMemoryCare.com.