Hospice care is more than just medical attention during the final phase of life; it’s about nurturing the mind, body, and spirit during a challenging time. At Hospice of the Fisher Home, we believe that creating a peaceful, comforting environment is essential for both our patients and their families. One of the most profound ways we do this is through the use of outdoor spaces, which offer moments of tranquility to everyone who comes to our residence.
If you want to help support our mission (and take care of our gardens) please donate today.
Nature as a Source of Healing
There is a growing body of research that shows the restorative power of nature. According to Johns Hopkins Center for Health Equity, “the soothing sights and sounds of nature can alleviate stress. Research has shown that exposure to green spaces can lower cortisol levels, reduce blood pressure, and promote relaxation. Strolling through a park or sitting beneath a canopy of trees can work wonders for calming the mind and body.”
For individuals in hospice care, being outdoors or simply having access to views of nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and provide a sense of calm that indoor settings alone may not offer. Nature has a unique ability to ease emotional burdens, offering a quiet, serene place to reflect, grieve, and even find moments of joy.
Our outdoor spaces are designed to foster this connection with nature. Whether it’s a walk through our gardens or simply sitting on a bench and feeling the warmth of the sun, these moments in nature provide a form of care that goes beyond medicine.
The Gardens at Hospice of the Fisher Home
We are fortunate to have some truly amazing gardens at Hospice of the Fisher Home. Our gardens are not just places to admire flowers; they are sanctuaries where patients, families, volunteers, and staff can take a breath, find comfort, and connect with the outdoors.
One of the most meaningful spaces we have is our Veterans Memorial Garden. This garden was created to honor and remember those who have served our country. Beyond the Veterans Memorial Garden, we have several other outdoor areas that are open to all like our vegetable garden and gazebo. These gardens are carefully tended by volunteers to ensure that they are vibrant, peaceful, and accessible. From bright blooms in the spring to the calm stillness of winter, our gardens provide peace and beauty year-round.
The Impact on Patients and Families
For our patients, time spent in the garden can provide a brief but powerful escape from the clinical aspects of care. Even just a few moments outside can lead to a noticeable shift in mood and comfort. The sensory experience of being outdoors—the feel of a gentle breeze, the sound of birds, the smell of flowers—can create moments of mindfulness.
For families, our gardens offer a place to step away, gather their thoughts, and process their emotions. During what is often a stressful and emotional time, nature offers the opportunity for quiet reflection. These spaces become places where families can sit together, talk, or simply be in each other's presence without the need for words.
A Holistic Approach to Hospice Care
At Hospice of the Fisher Home, we believe that care encompasses not just physical health, but also emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being. Our gardens are an integral part of this holistic approach, offering an environment that nurtures the whole person. We are proud to provide our patients and their families with a space that promotes healing in its many forms.
As the seasons change and our gardens do too, they continue to provide a steady, grounding presence—reminding us all of the cycles of life, renewal, and peace. The power of outdoor space in hospice care cannot be underestimated, and we are honored to share these beautiful spaces with those who need it most.
If you are in the Western Massachusetts area and have a loved one that requires hospice care, Hospice of the Fisher Home provides both in-residence or at-home (or wherever you reside) care through our community program. Contact us to find out more.
Hospice of the Fisher Home relies on donations to keep our doors open and our residents well taken care of. Please donate today!
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