185. Dementia Friendly Nature Walks: A Guided Stroll in Nature with Persons Struggling with Memory Loss and Their Caregivers

Aging in Style with Lori Williams

What’s a good local activity I can do with my loved one who has dementia?

Isolation and stress are common issues for caregivers and their loved ones with dementia. One great solution to this? “Wellness in Nature” walks with Dementia Friendly in Denton County, Texas.

To support this, the Denton County’s chapter offers nature walks in a program called “Wellness in Nature” in the fall and spring. These are free guided strolls for those with memory loss and their caregivers. The benefit is that it offers a low-stress way to engage socially and is inclusive to those with different abilities. Walks are led by a master naturalist or a master naturalist in training, and they pause regularly to share about the local plants. A safe pavement walkway is also required so there are no tripping hazards.

Dementia Friendly is a nonprofit that began in 2015, and has many communities within the U.S. The goal is to educate local businesses and the general public on how to interact with and include persons with dementia. They share how to recognize signs of dementia, then develop programs where individuals with the diagnosis, along with their caregivers, can participate in social outings.

Feeling integrated in the community is important for everyone, but especially caregivers and those with dementia. The sense of connection in society helps improve outcomes for those with the disease, and the well-being of their caregivers.

The first walk of the spring season starts April 9 in Denton County. Be sure to sign up first so the chapter has it for their records.

Topics discussed:

- Dementia Friendly

- Nature walks

- Health benefits of nature

- The importance of community for those with dementia

- Caregiver support

Takeaways from this episode:

- Nature is healing! Trees give off organic compounds that reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve immunity.

- It’s important for people with dementia to participate in everyday activities to feel autonomous and connected. Plus, connectedness helps health outcomes.

- Wellness in Nature is open to people with walkers and wheelchairs as well because the walks are on pavement and friendly to those with different abilities.

- Find a local Dementia Friendly activity as stress relief for yourself as a caregiver and for your loved one - and be sure to sign up in advance.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

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Explore the Dementia Friendly website at dementiafriendlydentoncounty.org

Learn more about Dementia Friendly with Lori Williams: ‎Aging in Style with Lori Williams: 087. How every community can be Dementia Friendly on Apple Podcasts