The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) has chosen Air Force Enlisted Village from organizations across the country as a national winner of their 2024 Spring Bi-Annual Grant. The AFA grant has been used to create the Eldergrow Therapeutic Horticulture Program. The project will serve the residents of Hawthorn House, especially those living with dementia, offering engaging indoor gardening classes and activities designed to stimulate cognitive functions and provide social engagement.
“On behalf of the Air Force Enlisted Village, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America for their generous grant, which has made the Eldergrow program possible for our residents,” Hawthorn House Administrator Crystal Rowell said.
“This support brings meaningful engagement and therapeutic benefits to our community, enriching the lives of our residents in profound ways. Thank you for helping us cultivate a nurturing and vibrant environment.”
According to a 2019 systematic review from the Gerontological Society of America, indoor gardening slows down cognitive decline in senior living residents with dementia, reduces blood pressure, and improves the quality and quantity of residents’ sleep. Eldergrow has become part of an evidence-based wellness program.
“The Eldergrow indoor garden is already a cherished addition to our community, offering residents the joy of therapeutic gardening right in our facility,” Rowell said. “Many residents have expressed excitement about the program and are looking forward to nurturing the plants and enjoying the beauty and tranquility the garden will bring. This initiative not only enhances our indoor environment but also fosters a sense of purpose and connection among our residents. One resident said that it reminds them of home, highlighting the program’s success in evoking comforting memories and overall well-being.”
AFA’s generous contribution provides a transformative solution, providing interactive and therapeutic activities tailored to residents' cognitive abilities. By addressing this need, AFA is helping to create a more inclusive and enriching environment, fostering mental acuity, social connections, and overall well-being among AFEV’s memory care residents.
