OHCA The Oregon Caregiver Spring Summer 2021

The Oregon Caregiver SPRING/SUMMER 2021 www.ohca.com 20 SPONSORED CONTENT c. Provide sun and rain protection for residents and staff, and d. Provide seating that is comfortable and easy to sit and stand from. 3. Keep it low maintenance. a. Plant things that are easy to care for and in season to limit extra work, b. Be sure to provide the right tools for easy watering, weeding and pruning, and c. Engage volunteers from the commu- nity to “adopt the outside” and assist with upkeep. 4. Bring the outdoors inside. a. Could your community safely contribute fresh herbs or vegetables from the garden to the community’s kitchen? b. Could your community or resident groups safety arrange flowers from a cutting garden to be displayed inside your entry way or dining hall? c. Take photos of blooming plants to share with residents who can’t make it outside and plant some things in pots that can be brought inside to “visit” so others can enjoy the sights and smells. Finally, plan for roadblocks. If you live in a particularly rainy locale, consider including covered areas in the outdoor space where residents could safely and comfortably enjoy a cloudy day or light sprinkle, or consider installing more windows looking out on a space so that residents can enjoy looking outside from indoors. If residents are worried about proximity to a restroom from the outdoor space, consider your options for green space placement. Help staff understand how to assist residents who wish to spend time outdoors and make it known that this is an option you support for your residents. If fundraising is needed, make it known to the commu- nity and consider an online fundraising platform. Local businesses may also be willing to contribute to a green space project. Green outdoor spaces can enhance the everyday lives of your residents, families, and staff while providing health bene- fits—both mental and physical. Jen Bruning is the director of nutrition and brand innovation with Incite Strategic Partners, OHCA’s purchasing partner and an OHCA business partner. This article has been sponsored and provided by Incite Strategic Partners. » SPONSORED CONTENT, CONT. Green outdoor spaces can enhance the everyday lives of your residents, families and staff while providing health benefits— both mental and physical.