Arthur Dann Court
Arthur Dann Court is a block of retirement housing in Cosham, Portsmouth consisting of 49 Flats. There is a scheme manager who is on-hand to support the residents as necessary. By providing accommodation with support when needed, residents are able to live as independently as possible in their own homes. The manager listens to the residents and gains feedback from them to continually develop and enhance the sheltered housing services that are provided.
In 2016 Comserv paid for the large empty pond to have new fibreglass fitted, be refilled and restocked with fish and for pot plants to be added to the garden area. Since then, and as part of Comserv’s Social Value commitment to causes in our local community, we have covered the cost of the monthly maintenance contract to ensure that the fish pond in the residents’ garden is maintained for all to enjoy. The fish have flourished and the pond is much loved by the residents. Our Communications Advisor went along to have a chat with the residents to see what the pond means to them…
Benefits of a Pond to Senior Citizens
By breaking up daily routines, and providing an outlet for frustration and sadness, exposure to the outdoors can improve a Senior Citizen’s sense of well-being and increase happiness across the board.
Water noises are famously very calming and enjoyable to listen to, so installing a pond with a water feature is the perfect way to turn a garden into a haven of tranquillity and peace. It can be thought of as a natural source of stress-relief; and often residents find they want to spend a lot more time outdoors with a garden pond to enjoy. Studies have shown that watching fish can reduce stress and lower diastolic blood pressure in the elderly, and they can also experience a decrease in pulse rate and muscle tension.
The pond at Arthur Dann Court contains koi carp of various sizes and many goldfish. There are 7 large koi carp and then so many other fish there are too many to count! Each year some of the fish have babies too so the numbers are always increasing.
A pond is a true wildlife magnet, providing homes, breeding grounds, bathing spots, food and a watering hole for all manner of creatures. The residents at Arthur Dann Court said that they see lots of birds at their pond including finches, blackbirds, sparrows, robins, blue tits, great tits, pigeons, and even the occasional woodpecker. The birds like to bathe in the pond which can be fun to watch. In the summer months, they also see dragonflies, butterflies, toads, bats, squirrels and foxes. Sometimes herons visit the pond too, but the residents try to wave them off to prevent them from eating the fish.
Spending time outside boosting vitamin D levels and immunity
Vitamin D is directly related to an improved immune system and a more positive outlook. Spending about 15 minutes of time each day in the sun is an ideal way for seniors to boost their vitamin D levels. When the weather is warm and dry the residents at Arthur Dann Court sit outside by the pond all the time. They have their tea, sandwiches and cakes out there as often as possible. In the summer months, the residents enjoy listening to the sounds of the pond from their rooms/balconies, and they find it relaxing.
By helping the residents feel more positive the garden/pond area can also help the residents to build and maintain healthy immune systems.
When the residents have families over to visit, they often spend time in the garden. The pond is a big hit with children and grandchildren. The children love to see the fish.
Who looks after the fish day-to-day?
Two of the residents - Sheila Willes and ‘H’ set themselves up as ‘keepers of the pond’ four years ago. They keep it clean in between maintenance visits and feed the fish. Sheila also told me that during the winter the fish don’t need feeding at all as they almost hibernate at the bottom of the pond where it’s warmer.
Nicki Jones, Scheme Manager for Arthur Dann Court said:
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