Joy springs from sensory garden
OT students create sensory garden at Hillcrest Hospital.
PATIENTS at the Hillcrest Hospital have been treated to a beautifully revamped sensory garden.
A group of eight passionate third year occupational therapy (OT) students from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, have taken the initiative to go above and beyond their practical placement responsibilities by upgrading a dilapidated garden on the hospital’s grounds.
The revamp involved clearing out the overgrowth on the paths and flower beds, planting succulents, herbs and flowers, and repairing one of the raised, brick flower beds.
Final touches were made by hanging wind-chimes made by the patients as well as the sensory garden sign.
Now the patients, many of whom are confined to wheelchairs, are able to bask in the warm sun rays while enjoying the fresh air and aesthetically beautiful plants and flowers.
According to Keziah Freimond, an OT student, she and the other altruistic students were only able to accomplish their goal through the assistance of various Highway clubs and organisations. Denny Mushrooms, The 1st Hillcrest Scouts and Ladybird Landscapes donated labour, plants and other materials that the students needed to complete the revamp.
The students also took the time to organise a gardening group among the patients, so that they can continue to maintain, cultivate and develop the garden.
“The patients experience limited sensations while they are in the hospital. They are exposed to the same sights, smells and textures everyday. They now get to enjoy the outdoor sensations, which means a better quality of life,” said Freimond.
The herbs can also be used by future OT students during sensory therapy, said Freimond.
OTs often treat patients who suffer from physical, mental or developmental conditions, who are unable to perform important daily activities. Through various interventions, such as skill development, education, modification of the activities or the adaptation of the environment, the occupational therapists can increase the patient’s ability to perform the activities and therefore optimise and improve their quality of life.
