Improved quality of life through garden therapy: IKK classic promotes further training at the Wichernstift in Wiesbaden

In this case, there were three: "We have three separate gardens here, each of which is accessible from the living areas," explained facility manager Christina Campe at the certificate presentation ceremony. Of course, bouquets of flowers were also presented. This meant that three employees were able to benefit from the training. After almost a year, Carolina Hay, Daniela Cecere, and Tugba Inanir successfully completed the training. The three had a lot of fun and are delighted with their certificates, which are officially recognized continuing education qualifications. To complete the course, they had to develop and present individual concepts for the facility. A garden therapist, Sigrid Bernhard, was on site for 24 sessions, and there were additional online lessons and the final presentation. So a lot of time was invested in the training. This was supported by Christina Campe, who made the hours available to the employees. Materials for implementing practical projects were also purchased. 

Colorful wall design

Anke Scholl, health manager at IKK classic, presented them with their "Garden Therapy Assistant" certificates. She expressed her hope that the projects in the facilities would have a lasting effect, i.e., that they would be continued in everyday life. The residents of the Wichernstift really enjoyed the project, emphasize the three newly qualified "garden therapists." Some were more active, others more observant, but everyone benefited. The most visible result is a beautifully designed concrete wall, previously unsightly and gray, now sky blue with a smiling sun and lots of flowers, whose petals, on closer inspection, consist of handprints made by the residents.  "Garden therapy promotes cognitive abilities and awakens positive emotional feelings," the experts agree. Similar to music or art therapy, it can enrich the everyday lives of residents in institutions, activating them and sometimes allowing them to rediscover skills. 

Meaningful prevention

That is why the project is also referred to as "garden therapy as a preventive measure." IKK classic is therefore happy to support garden therapy, said Anke Scholl. The project partners are the GÄRTEN HELFEN LEBEN institute and the ILAG institute.  During the one-year program, medical-therapeutic and horticultural expertise was taught in theoretical and practical phases. The prospective garden therapists were able to acquire a broad knowledge of botany, useful and medicinal plants, and psychotherapeutic methods for their daily work with the residents. In practical terms, they planted, watered, tended, harvested, processed, decorated, and crafted. As a result, there are now many bird feeders hanging in the gardens, table decorations have been crafted, and other beautiful things have been made. Not every senior citizens' facility has such wonderful gardens at its disposal, but it would also be possible to "just" design balcony boxes or even work indoors, says Anke Scholl. Greenery can be found everywhere! "Every little piece of nature has the potential to be used therapeutically and socially, thus contributing to health. We promote this with garden therapy," says garden therapist Sigrid Bernhard. And many people know that contact with plants and nature can be particularly important for health care and quality of life. "Just a few minutes in the garden are enough to create a good feeling, relaxation, and well-being," explains Anke Scholl.

Next step: planting raised beds 

The Johann Hinrich Wichern Foundation in Wiesbaden has now discovered the lasting benefits of garden therapy. "All residents can now look forward to an active time in the garden again starting in the spring," announces facility manager Christina Campe. "Our residents are already looking forward to the activities. The raised beds will soon be planted again," adds Daniela Cecere. Carolina Hay adds: "We were even active in garden therapy during the winter months." In a further phase, each "garden floor" will receive its own tool shed. Hopefully, this will again take place as part of the "Wiesbaden engagiert" campaign, in which company employees spend a whole week working in various facilities for such purposes. Energetic people at "Wiesbaden engagiert" have already made a very popular rabbit enclosure possible in one of the gardens at the Wichernstift. (abp)