Patients at Saint Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute ventured outside for therapy Thursday morning to participate in a garden party. Therapists at the rehab institute took their patients outside for some sunshine and fresh air. Patients got their hands dirty planting different types of flowers and vegetables. But this wasn’t just for fun. The garden party still helped patients with their recovery, just in a different and unique way. “Gardening itself encompasses a lot of different task components,” said Laura Montgomery, occupational therapist. “So, we have gross coordination. To be able to lift and pour a watering canister, to be able to manage a shovel, to be able to pick up a wheelbarrow. Also, the fine motor coordination aspects.” The idea of using gardening for rehabilitation therapy came to Montgomery a few years ago when she saw the institute’s beautiful outdoor space with empty garden beds. She saw the potential to beautify the space, but more importantly, a new way to help patients recover through a fun real-life leisure task. And the patients definitely seemed to enjoy therapy outdoors for a change. “Even though I’m not a garden guy, because I like to keep my nails clean, it helps, you know, just being active,” said Morris Letchur, a patient at Saint Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute.
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. —
Patients at Saint Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute ventured outside for therapy Thursday morning to participate in a garden party.
Therapists at the rehab institute took their patients outside for some sunshine and fresh air. Patients got their hands dirty planting different types of flowers and vegetables. But this wasn’t just for fun. The garden party still helped patients with their recovery, just in a different and unique way.
“Gardening itself encompasses a lot of different task components,” said Laura Montgomery, occupational therapist. “So, we have gross coordination. To be able to lift and pour a watering canister, to be able to manage a shovel, to be able to pick up a wheelbarrow. Also, the fine motor coordination aspects.”
The idea of using gardening for rehabilitation therapy came to Montgomery a few years ago when she saw the institute’s beautiful outdoor space with empty garden beds.
She saw the potential to beautify the space, but more importantly, a new way to help patients recover through a fun real-life leisure task. And the patients definitely seemed to enjoy therapy outdoors for a change.
“Even though I’m not a garden guy, because I like to keep my nails clean, it helps, you know, just being active,” said Morris Letchur, a patient at Saint Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute.
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