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.

2. 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.

3. Ensure that the garden is free of charge to all occupants.

4. Ensure that the garden is accessible at all times during daytime operating hours.

5. Include a minimum of two of the following amenities within the garden:

• vegetation and plants
• sand garden.
• stone garden.
• bird feeder.
• a water feature. 

6. 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 occupants.

3. Ensure that the garden is accessible at all times during daytime operating hours.

4. Ensure that the garden is accessible at all times during daytime operating hours.

5. Include a minimum of two of the following amenities within the garden:

• vegetation and plants
• sand garden.
• stone garden.
• bird feeder.
• a water feature. 

6. Provide seating within the garden.

Compliance Documentation

Types of compliance documentation required:

• Annotated maps
• Annotated plans
• Annotated design drawings
• Annotated photographs