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Research shows that there is a proven therapeutic benefit to being outside. How much do you cherish the feel of wind and sun on your cheek; the sound of birds chirping and waterfalls flowing; and the sight of flowers and plants flourishing?
The brainchild of staff members, an Inspiration Garden is the newest feature at Spaulding Hospital for Continuing Medical Care North Shore (formerly Shaughnessy-Kaplan Rehabilitation Hospital) in Salem, MA, a member of the Spaulding Rehabilitation Network.
"Being outside provides important benefits to the healing process and we are in the business of making people better," shared Patricia M. Crombie, RN, MSN, vice president of hospital operations and director of nursing.
The hospital's newest outside space (an extensive therapy garden that provides patients with challenging terrains and activities already exists) may be used in myriad ways: therapists may bring patients out to conduct a therapy session; family members may gather to relax; staff members may retreat outside for a meal or to take a break; and patients may be accompanied to simply enjoy the benefits of natural surroundings.
According to Sean Hannigan, PT, MS, rehabilitation clinical supervisor, the existing therapy garden is primarily used to challenge patients with assistive devices. "We encourage patients to go outside and practice navigating the world. We want our patients to adjust to being on a wet surface or a crooked path, for example," Hannigan shared.
But the new space, according to Hannigan, opens up a world of possibilities for a whole new set of patients.
Please join us for a walk through the new Inspiration Garden:
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