A new statewide initiative which aims to support people living with dementia and care partners to connect with nature was recently launched.
The Tasmanian Nature Hubs Project will aim to create opportunities for people experiencing dementia to connect with nature.
“Living with dementia can be very isolating, from people and from nature,” project lead and Senior Lecturer in Dementia Studies Dr Pauline Marsh said.
“Being in contact with nature improves our quality of life. Nothing could be truer than this for people experiencing cognitive disruptions and challenges of dementia.
“Research shows spending time outdoors can help people to live well with dementia by reducing stress and experiencing more joy.”
“The Nature Hubs Project will include local bushwalks, community gardens, Landcare groups, and council parks – places and activities open to anyone, but catering for people who are living with everyday challenges of dementia.”
The Tasmanian Nature Hubs project is being run across Tasmania and driven by the University’s Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre.
“The project will provide education and support to community organisations and individuals to make their outdoor spaces and activities dementia friendly,” Dr Marsh said.
“Wicking’s Venture Out Research Group will be offering online and face-to-face education to help people understand some of the challenges of dementia, as well as ways to make outdoor spaces and activities more suitable for people with all sorts of abilities, so everyone can benefit from connecting with nature and each other.”
To find out more, or to get involved, email Venture.Out@utas.edu.au or phone Pauline Marsh on 6226 6905.