Rooted in care: Nature as part of healing at Banfield Pavillion
When care extends beyond walls and routines, nature can become a quiet partner in healing, offering moments of calm, comfort and connection.
Many health-care environments can feel sterile or impersonal, and across Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) we are working to change that. Through thoughtful space planning and well-designed programs, we are creating welcoming, homelike settings that enhance the care experience for clients, residents and families.
At Banfield Pavilion, one of our long-term care homes, residents benefit from vibrant garden programs designed to support well-being. Whether spending time in the rooftop garden, enjoying the calm of the indoor Tranquility Room, or taking part in the mobile garden program, residents are encouraged to connect with nature in ways that bring comfort and joy.
“One of the things that really struck me when I first moved in was all the indoor plants and that you could tell someone was taking care of them. It just shows you the standard of care here,” recalls one Banfield resident.
Beyond adding beauty to the space, these interactive garden programs offer meaningful health benefits.
Research and resident experience show that time spent with plants can help reduce stress, anxiety and agitated behaviour. Residents often share how the gardens uplift their spirits: “The flowers always put me in a good mood,” says one resident. Another adds, “I don’t know where I would be without this garden. It’s everything to me.”
Participation in these spaces also supports physical well-being, with improvements noted in mobility, balance and even pain reduction.
Providing great care goes beyond clinical treatment, it is also spiritual, emotional and personal. By looking at care from multiple perspectives, we continue to enhance the overall health‑care experience. Creating warm, comforting and familiar environments is one more way we support the people we serve while striving for better outcomes for everyone.
