Milwaukee Catholic Homes Alzheimers Garden
Milwaukee, WisconsinMilwaukee Catholic Home is part of a developing healthcare campus that includes St. Mary's Hospital. The 145,000 sf building provides 122 skilled nursing beds, 29 assisted living units and an intergenerational daycare service. Residents include those requiring traditional skilled-care nursing, sub-acute rehabilitation, and care for dementia. A large, central courtyard was designed with an emphasis on dementia patients but is also enjoyed by others including visitors. Most rooms and a large community dining room overlook the courtyard. The courtyard includes extensive perimeter plantings and a central garden that extends outward from the windows of the dining room. The part of the garden that is overlooked by the dining room includes a simulated woodland stream and is planted with a grove of birch trees. This provides a wonderful view from the dining room, but more importantly allows walkers to appreciate the rich sensory experience of a natural environment. Regarding plantings, consideration was given to quality of shade, fragrance, and seasonal interest. Strong consideration was also given to territoriality, privacy, orientation and safety. Several benches are placed around the courtyard, some in sunlight but most protected by dappled shade from fragrant ornamental trees. Tables with chairs with umbrellas are placed in strategic locations to provide a subtle sense of territory for some residents and staff. Custom fabricated work benches for horticultural therapy were also designed for use by those who want to participate in this activity.