Today is World Alzheimer’s Day, part of Dementia Action Week, which draws attention to the growing number of people in Australia living with or caring for someone living with some form of cognitive impairment.
It’s also just over a year since the opening of Parks Victoria’s award-winning Dementia Friendly Forest and Sensory Trail, the first of its kind in Australia.
Located in Woowookarung Regional Park on Wadawurrung Country, the trail is accessible for wheelchairs and carers, assistance dogs and larger groups from care facilities.
In the picture above on the left is an elevated section of the walking track and on the right is the seating area surrounded by scrub.
“Over the past year, we have seen many people experiencing different stages of dementia, along with their families and carers, using the Dementia Friendly Forest and Sensory Trail. There is a growing awareness in the community that the path is accessible and is designed for visitors of all abilities,” says Siobhan Rogan, Ballarat Area Chief Ranger.
The 1.2 km route has sensory aspects and quiet places for reflection, to evoke positive memories, feelings and sensations. This gives visitors a new way to experience and enjoy nature in different ways, throughout their dementia journey.
The path was co-designed with people living with dementia and their carers, Ballarat Community Health Groups, Department of Health and Dementia Australia.
The design also encourages people with dementia to take charge of the care of the park with their carers and Parks Victoria staff supporting them with necessary tasks such as watering. The end result is a gentle and inclusive way to see, smell, touch and hear nature. .
“When you see groups of people returning to the trail again and again, you realize the importance of inclusive and accessible outdoor spaces. I couldn’t have imagined how much joy it’s bringing to the people of Ballarat and across Victoria,” he says Siobhan.
Pictured above is the wide walking path for walkers of all abilities and assistive technologies.
The overall design won the 2022 ALIA Victoria Landscape Architecture Award for Health and Education Landscape, by Thomson Hay Landscape Architects.
Dementia affects nearly half a million Australians. According to Dementia Australia, this number doubles in the next 25 years, with many suffering from younger-onset dementia, when a person is diagnosed under the age of 65.
“We wanted to offer visitors an experience in nature that can be enjoyed in different ways, so you can choose the path that suits you best. A beautiful image in my mind is the two elderly people I saw at the site sharing the experience of being close to nature and each other, in that special way that couples can. That’s why I’d love to see more spaces like this open up across the state,” says Siobhan.
Thanks to Parks Victoria’s support partners for the Dementia Friendly Forest and Sensory Trail; CDC Victoria, CMV Truck & Bus and Volvo Bus Australia.