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LIFE BEYOND THE MILITARY – OUTDOORS
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We are delighted to welcome patients back to therapy sessions in July as we adapt to a safe way of ‘socially distanced’ working.

July 31, 2020

This month has seen both Andy and me back at Stanford Hall preparing the greenhouse ready to deliver socially distanced Horticultural Therapy sessions with patients. The risk assessments have been completed; the signage is in place and the handwashing stations are ready for use. Finally, we have welcomed back the first patients in person since lockdown and are planning with other departments how we incorporate Horticultural Therapy into adapted course delivery. We are all adjusting to the new normal.

We have spent time clearing and preparing our therapeutic garden areas ready to start growing new plants, and hope to gradually re-fill the greenhouse which was emptied at such short notice in March.

COVID Rehab Course

Although we have been unable to be directly involved, we have provided an adapted version of our Scavenger Hunts with a focus on mindfulness for patients attending this course to do in their own time. We have been reliably informed by the Specialist Rehabilitation OT’s that their patients are making regular use of this resource, so definitely scope to develop a wider range, encourage engagement with nature, and all the benefits that brings.

Neuro Group

We were so pleased to resume the Neuro group in person two weeks ago and note the changes in progress made by our patients. The first session, working closely with the Neuro OT’s, used the task of planting out squash plants and potting on strawberry runners in the raised beds adjacent to the greenhouse. This was a good opportunity for hands-on work incorporating use of affected upper limbs, replicating a sequence correctly, and being able to verbally identify plant and people names.

Complex Trauma

We have started seeing a few Complex Trauma patients with a focus on progressing standing tolerance, and developing new skills/leisure interests to hopefully continue at home. Activities have ranged from turning compost, sowing seeds, taking succulent cuttings, and braiding garlic. This has helped us to re-start the cycle of growing new plants and consequently more activities to use therapeutically with patients.

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Jane

 

Neuro group thinning seedlings.

Sage and rosemary cuttings by patient.

HG greenhouse Covid signs.