Plants as a Pathway to Connection, Community, and Choice
Plants have accompanied people throughout history. They appear in our food, traditions, celebrations, gardens, workplaces, and everyday lives. Because of this, they often hold personal meaning and can act as powerful triggers for memories, conversation, and connection.
In residential care, a plant can become much more than a topic for discussion. It can provide a shared theme that brings people together while allowing individual interests and preferences to emerge. Rather than focusing on a single activity, a plant topic can offer multiple pathways to participation. A simple question about a favourite flower, herb, tree, or vegetable can reveal stories about childhood, family traditions, farming, cooking, travel, and cultural heritage. One resident may enjoy gardening, another may be interested in history or folklore, while someone else may prefer art, cooking, sensory experiences, or reminiscence.
This approach supports resident empowerment by allowing people to choose the pathway that interests them most. Herbs provide a simple example of how this philosophy can work in practice. For centuries, herbs have been part of everyday life through cooking, gardening, folklore, and traditional remedies. Because many older adults have personal memories and experiences linked to herbs, they can become powerful conversation starters. One resident may enjoy choosing herbs during a visit to a supermarket or garden centre. Another may enjoy planting and caring for them. Someone else may share a favourite family recipe, while another may recall traditional remedies passed down through generations.
For residents who are unable to leave their rooms, herbs can be brought to them on a trolley, allowing them to experience different aromas, textures, and sensory experiences. This helps ensure opportunities for engagement, inclusion, and connection are available throughout the community. The value of a plant-themed approach is that it combines individuality with community. Residents are not expected to engage in the same way, yet they remain connected through a shared topic. A single theme can encourage conversation, support life story work, stimulate the senses, promote empowerment, and create meaningful opportunities for engagement throughout the home. One shared topic. Individual pathways. Connected community.
Until next time
Liz
All rights reserved
