Gardens Are Our Centerpiece
The horticultural therapy program at Barclay Friends creates a sense of home for residents. Moreover, it helps them to live productive and meaningful lives. Not only does horticultural therapy provide a reason for them to feel good about themselves, but it also serves as a catalyst for involvement in other activities. For example, weekly flower arranging that provides opportunities for creativity and socialization. In addition, activities touch upon the individual resident’s needs, whether those needs are physical, cognitive, emotional, vocational, social or spiritual. Our concept of creating a homelike environment encompasses our entire campus, where landscaping has the look and feel of a private residence.
Highlights of our horticultural therapy program include:
- Five outdoor gardens which are open to residents, families and staff
- Raised beds where residents can plant and tend their own gardens
- Entries in the Goshen Fair, which creates a sense of pride for the whole community
- Activities provided through various modalities, including floral design, indoor and outdoor gardening and sensory stimulation
Notably, Barclay Friends is one of the few long-term care facilities in the region to have such a comprehensive horticultural therapy program. Older adults can enjoy the unique opportunity to actively garden, or simply enjoy flowers from the main porch.
