03. Outdoor Space - Therapeutic Garden

Provide access to an outdoor therapeutic garden

Rationale: Daytime access to a nearby outdoor garden that features natural elements and seating provides opportunities for occupants and employees to rest, increase daylight exposure, and connect with nature, contributing to improved sleep quality and diminished risk of anxiety, stress, and depressive symptoms.

Requirements

Demonstrate compliance with one of the options below:

Option 1 - Therapeutic Garden for all Occupants (Full Credit):

Demonstrate compliance with all of the following requirements:

1. For facilities with independent and assisted living, is located on-site or within a 1/4 mile or 400 meter walking route from the main building entrance.
   • • 1. For facilities with Memory Care Community residents, is located within one of the following:
       • • • a secure and enclosed area on-site.
           • on-site or within a 1/4 mile or 400 meter walking route from the main building entrance and requires residents to be accompanied by a staff member.
2. Ensure that the garden is free of charge to all occupants.
3. Ensure that the garden is accessible at all times during daytime operating hours.
4. Include a minimum of two of the following amenities within the garden:
   1. • vegetation and plants
      • sand garden.
      • stone garden.
      • bird feeder.
      • a water feature. 
5. Provide seating within the garden.

Option 2 - Therapeutic for Assisted Living and Independent Residents Only (Partial Credit):

Demonstrate compliance with all of the following requirements:

1. For facilities with independent living, assisted living, and Memory Care Communities, include a minimum of one include a qualifying therapeutic garden for independent and assisted living facility residents and employees only that is located within a 1/4 mile or 400 meter walking route from the main building entrance.
2. Ensure that the garden is free of charge to all independent and assisted living facility residents and employees.
3. Ensure that the garden accessible at all times during daytime operating hours.
4. Include a minimum of two of the following amenities within the garden:
   1. • vegetation and plants
      • sand garden.
      • stone garden.
      • bird feeder.
      • a water feature. 
5. Provide seating within the garden.

Compliance Documentation

Design

Option 1:

Requirement 1

• • Upload an annotated map(s) or plan(s) showing the distance between the main building entrance and the planned outdoor therapeutic garden.
  • For facilities with Memory Care Community residents: Upload an annotated map(s) or plan(s) showing the following:
    • • the distance between the main building entrance and the planned outdoor therapeutic garden.
      • the outdoor therapeutic garden will be secure and enclosed, if applicable.

Requirement 2

• • Checkbox to certify that the therapeutic garden will be free of charge to all occupants.

Requirement 3 

• • Checkbox to certify that the therapeutic garden will be accessible at all times during daytime operating hours.

Requirement 4

• Upload design drawings or photographs showing the planned amenities within the garden.

Requirement 5

• Upload design drawings or photographs showing the planned seating within the garden.

Option 2:

Requirement 1

• • Upload an annotated map(s) or plan(s) showing the distance between the main building entrance and the planned outdoor therapeutic garden.

Requirement 2

• • Checkbox to certify that the therapeutic garden will be free of charge to all occupants.

Requirement 3 

• • Checkbox to certify that the therapeutic garden will be accessible at all times during daytime operating hours.

Requirement 4

• Upload design drawings or photographs showing the planned amenities within the garden.

Requirement 5

• Upload design drawings or photographs showing the planned seating within the garden.

Built

Option 1:

Requirement 1

• • Upload an annotated map(s) or plan(s) showing the distance between the main building entrance and the outdoor therapeutic garden.
  • For facilities with Memory Care Community residents: Upload an annotated map(s) or plan(s) showing the following:
    • • the distance between the main building entrance and the outdoor therapeutic garden.
      • the outdoor therapeutic garden is secure and enclosed, if applicable.

Requirement 2

• • Checkbox to certify that the therapeutic garden is free of charge to all occupants.

Requirement 3 

• • Checkbox to certify that the therapeutic garden is accessible at all times during daytime operating hours.

Requirement 4

• Upload annotated photographs showing the amenities within the garden.

Requirement 5

• Upload annotated photographs showing the seating within the garden.

Option 2:

Requirement 1

• • Upload an annotated map(s) or plan(s) showing the distance between the main building entrance and the outdoor therapeutic garden.

Requirement 2

• • Checkbox to certify that the therapeutic garden is free of charge to all occupants.

Requirement 3 

• • Checkbox to certify that the therapeutic garden is accessible at all times during daytime operating hours.

Requirement 4

• Upload annotated photographs showing the amenities within the garden.

Requirement 5

• Upload annotated photographs showing the seating within the garden.