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Recent reforms to Aged Care have seen a more rights based Act along with the recognition of the importance of nature in the health and wellbeing of those living within different aged care settings. We know the benefits of implementing nature based therapies for those in aged care extend to carers, workers, families and the organisation, including financial benefits.
In recognition of the deep understanding that is needed to successfully develop and implement nature based therapies that are effective for individuals across different backgrounds, cultures, experiences and individual characteristics, It's Naturally You has developed a unique profiling capacity to ensure that each nature based exercise is positive and rewarding. Further to this we have a team who have integrated their skills and experiences from Occupational Therapy, Allied Health, Counselling, Evidence based practice and Ecology.
Our programs can be undertaken with those living in residence, retirement living or Home Care. In understanding the wellbeing benefits of reminiscing, we have developed activities specifically for those living with a dementia.
Having spent 20 years working with farmers in far western NSW, Rob understands the detachment and isolation that many farmers can experience when moving away from the family farm. Connection to the land is often deeply entrenched and emotional. In an exciting new trial we have developed a specific program for farmers who are in aged care to enable farmers to maintain a continued association with the land and to feel valued.
If you would like to know more, we are always happy to do a free 15 minute presentation to your Lifestyle, Clinical Care or Management Team.
You won't find any Apps, AI or robots on our sensory nature trails! Our role is simply to guide and shepherd the gentle interactions between human sensors, memories, emotions and nature's array of stimuli. The touch of a soft mossy tree trunk, the smell of a winter Wattle blossom, the soft sounds of a Blue Wren or the flittering of a brightly coloured butterfly on an afternoon summer breeze. We know that the real thing is best.
Our team can establish a sensory trail at your aged care residence or in a nearby bushland.
Nature Journaling is a nature-based activity that can be done anywhere, from locations as varied as national parks to your own garden, courtyard or living room with a window view. As long as you are around nature - the sky, plants, animals - you can journal about it.
It’s an activity that is enriching to do and share with others, but also highly rewarding to do alone in one’s own time, whenever suitable. The techniques we use intentionally exercise different parts of the brain. While this makes the activity fun and engaging, it also helps to keep the brain active and sharp and can improve memory.
When we journal about the flowers, plants, insects, birds, clouds and other natural wonders in a particular place, we quickly develop strong bonds and a sense of belonging to that place. Feeling that we belong and are connected to place is vital for our wellbeing and sense of purpose.
Nature journals are a beautiful record of a person’s life. While the journal content is framed around prompts in nature (like a bird's nest we’ve spotted in the garden) - our response to that is personal and unique. What we choose to journal about, how we do that and what memories the prompt evokes - all of these are shaped by each individual and their life experiences and interests. This makes nature journals special to share with family and friends.
Inspired by the Japanese Public Health Practice ‘Shinrin-yoku’ (also known as ‘Forest Bathing’), Forest Therapy is an evidence-based approach where the restorative power of nature is harnessed to heal many ailments of modern life. Along with reported feelings of peacefulness and relaxation, research shows that Forest Therapy can improve sleep quality, boost the immune system, and reduce blood pressure and cortisol levels.
As we mindfully wander through bushland or local greenspaces, our guides offer different ways for participants to reconnect with their senses and immerse themselves in the present through the beautiful sights, sounds, smells, textures and tastes in nature. Simple practices offered on the walk can be later used by participants in their own time and if practised regularly, can help strengthen a sense of connection to place.
Forest Therapy is particularly well suited to groups with accessibility requirements, given its slow pace and sensory practices that can be done in any natural environment.
