Pacific Care and Rehabilitation Center brings nature indoors during pandemic

By David Haerle The Daily World • November 2, 2020 3:00 pm

By David Haerle

The Daily World

With much of the world locked indoors due to COVID-19, Pacific Care and Rehabilitation Center in Hoquiam has found innovative ways to keep its residents connected to nature. Through a new partnership with Eldergrow, a Seattle-based therapeutic gardening company, Pacific Care residents are now nurturing a lush indoor garden from the safety of their community.

“It’s a very difficult time and it’s a nice opportunity to get their hands dirty — in a good way,” said Mark Cheney, chief administrator at Pacific Care and Rehabilitation. “We are trying to bring a little bit of nature indoors.”

Cheney said the effort was funded by a grant from the state with support from Eldergrow personnel, and that the residents are enjoying the two indoor gardens — which are among several Eldergrow markets — a culinary herb garden, complemented by an Herb of the Month program, and a therapeutic horticulture garden.

“A lot of them will at least take a gander at what’s growing and some will play in the dirt a little bit,” Cheney said of residents’ reactions. “Our residents really love them.”

Cheney said the plan is to use the fresh herbs in future meals — eventually.

“We haven’t used them yet, but we are looking at ideas and cooking opportunities,” said Cheney. “Right now, we’re still focused on the growing part,” he added with a chuckle.

Eldergrow offers therapeutic gardening programs to seniors in residential and skilled communities.

“In this unprecedented time, it brings us comfort that our residents can safely interact with nature throughout their days. Eldergrow and our incredible staff now make that possible,” stated Cheney.

Studies show that therapeutic horticulture reduces depression, improves balance and lowers the risk factors for dementia by 36%, according to Eldergrow officials.

Pacific Care and Rehabilitation Center will be maintaining its garden and therapeutic program remotely with the help of Eldergrow’s virtual activities and garden coaching.

“We are excited to start this new partnership with Pacific Care,” Says Eldergrow CEO and founder Orla Concannon. “This is easily a reflection of the care that the community provides to their residents, because if you have a healthy garden, you know you have a healthy community!”