Gardens, music and memories: The unexpected therapies that make a big difference

When you think of aged care therapies, medical support probably comes to mind. But it’s not just about medications or clinical care. At HillView Care, we believe quality of life is just as important as physical wellbeing, which is why we focus on creating moments of joy, building connections, and supporting emotional and mental health.

Alongside traditional therapies, our residents also benefit from our beautiful surroundings, the power of music, and a wide range of memory-focused activities. We’ve made these things part of everyday life at our Gold Coast aged care homes because we see the incredible difference they make.

The healing power of nature

There’s something special about stepping outside, feeling the sun on your skin and breathing in fresh air. At HillView Care, our homes are surrounded by landscaped gardens and peaceful outdoor spaces that encourage residents and their guests to connect with nature.

Time spent outdoors improves mood, reduces stress, and even supports physical health. For our residents, the gardens are not only a place of beauty but also a place of calm. Whether it’s enjoying a quiet moment in the shade, strolling along a garden path, or simply admiring the flowers, being outdoors helps residents feel grounded and uplifted.

We’ve seen how these spaces create joy in everyday moments and create a gentle way of building connections between residents, and their family and friends.

Music as therapy

There aren’t many things that connect us to our emotions quite like music. A familiar song has the power to send us back in time, unlocking memories and bringing joy and comfort. For many of our residents, especially those living with dementia, music becomes a bridge to moments that could otherwise feel out of reach.

At HillView Care, music is integrated into our lifestyle programs. Whether it’s for a singalong, or through a live performance in our homes. These sessions aren’t just about entertainment, they are carefully designed opportunities to support mental well-being, encourage conversation, and strengthen bonds.

We’ve seen so many heartwarming moments when music plays: a resident who hasn’t spoken much suddenly singing along to a chorus, or two people discovering they share a love for the same artist.

Memory-focused activities

Another important part of life at HillView Care is our focus on memory. Activities like storytelling, looking through photo albums, or sharing life experiences help residents feel valued and acknowledged. We create meaningful opportunities to spark conversation, and celebrate personal stories.

Reminiscence therapy, where residents are encouraged to talk about past experiences, is incredible for those living with dementia. A simple photo of a wedding day, a favourite childhood story, or even the smell of a meal once cooked at home can trigger warm and engaging memories. 

We’ve seen friendships develop as residents discover shared experiences from their younger years, whether it’s growing up in the same area, working in similar industries, or enjoying the same hobbies. 

Holistic aged care on the Gold Coast

At HillView Care, we know that good care goes far beyond looking after physical needs. Our holistic approach is designed to nurture the body, mind and spirit. That’s why our programs and environments are carefully designed to create opportunities to connect every single day.

We believe this commitment to holistic, personalised care is what sets HillView Care apart. Our Merrimac and Ashmore homes aren’t just places to live, they are vibrant communities where residents thrive.

Experience the difference for yourself

If you’d like to see how our gardens, music programs and memory-focused activities help our residents every day, we’d love you to take a tour. Book today!