Environmental Programming Addresses Whole-Person Wellness

La Via leads Crane’s Mill residents in programming focused on six dimensions of wellness

The La Via Wellness program at Crane’s Mill senior living community enhances resident well-being by focusing on six distinct dimensions of wellness: physical, spiritual, intellectual, emotional and social, vocational, and environmental. We believe that a well-rounded approach is key to long-term health. With the help of dedicated experts who specialize in each dimension of La Via, residents follow their own paths to engage their bodies and minds. Pat Czarnecki oversees the environmental aspects of the program.

Pat, a nationally registered horticultural therapist, has owned her own business—GreEn’ergy, LLC—for more than 18 years. A long-time associate of Director of Community Programming Nicole Smith, Pat has been working with Crane’s Mill for the last five years. Pat has her Master of Business Administration and went to school for horticultural therapy after leaving the corporate world. In addition to her work here at Crane’s Mill, she teaches at the New York Botanical Garden. “I love bringing the beauty of nature to people and sharing it with them,” she says. “It’s creative, fun, and educational!”

The environmental programs at Crane’s Mill have expanded from the community activity room to a large auditorium as more residents discovered the wonder of working with plants. Every month, Pat leads a gardening- or nature-related project, based on the season. From making farm-to-table pickles in the summer or heart-shaped plant boxes for Valentine’s Day to making their own fragrant potpourri, residents engage in hands-on activities designed to teach new horticultural skills and build on old ones.

Resident input is key for developing new environmental programs. One resident, for example, wanted to grow mustard seeds. Once she hears from residents about topics they want to explore, Pat enjoys researching and preparing for presentations, learning more herself along the way. “It’s all about the residents’ creativity after that,” Pat shares. “It’s fun to see them let their hair down, add their own twist, and really take ownership of the projects.”

In addition to introducing residents to the inherent pleasure of working with plants, Pat’s environmental programs tie into the other aspects of La Via Wellness by encouraging residents to hone their cognition, fine motor skills, and hand–eye coordination. “Horticultural therapy is about understanding people’s needs,” explains Pat. “It’s wonderful seeing the benefits of these programs for the residents, whether gardening was an old hobby, or this is all new. We’re all people, and we use what we have—my projects are created for people to be successful and to make a finished product.” The social aspect cannot be overlooked either, as residents are able to work together, ask questions, make comments, and share their own interests.

“The La Via program is all about life; in that way, it’s just like plants,” Pat says. “People deal with a lot of stresses. Seeing life in a growing plant and taking care of its needs (love is always on the list!) helps people heal.” Like pet therapy or music therapy, horticultural therapy combines the physical, social, and emotional to address the whole person—just one the reasons Pat Czarnecki loves her job.