SI Miranese-Riviera del Brenta, Italy
The Soroptimists of Miranese–Riviera del Brenta launched BLOOM AGAIN to enhance the physical and emotional well-being of elderly women through therapeutic horticulture across 15 nursing homes in a Venetian district. With 75.9% of the district’s 1,334 elderly residents being women, this project was designed to restore a sense of purpose, dignity, and connection to nature—often lost in institutional settings.
Women & girls reached
1,334
Funds raised by the Club
€4,500
The Italian Soroptimists partnered with AULSS 3 SERENISSIMA, the Local Health Unit, to co-develop a sustainable, science-based programme that harnesses the proven benefits of gardening in elderly care. Studies show that plant-based activities can boost memory, social engagement, and motor function, while also reducing reliance on medication for conditions like dementia.
To implement the project, the Soroptimists formed a multidisciplinary team including agronomists and healthcare professionals. They engaged each facility through surveys, site visits, and a launch event involving staff, families, volunteers, and local businesses. A crowdfunding campaign supported infrastructure needs such as raised beds and indoor gardening tools, while an accredited training course equipped staff to deliver therapeutic sessions year-round.
Despite facing logistical and cultural challenges across facilities, the project succeeded by adopting a flexible, localised approach and fostering strong collaboration with care home staff and family members. Regular feedback ensures the activities remain relevant, enjoyable, and regenerative—not just for residents, but for caregivers too.
The project has already delivered measurable improvements in mood, sleep quality, social interaction, and self-esteem. A participant’s daughter shared:
“When I visit my mum, sometimes I feel sad—but if we work together with plants, that sadness disappears.”
BLOOM AGAIN is a model of holistic elderly care rooted in community, compassion, and nature—offering elderly women the chance to blossom again, one plant at a time.
Project achieved by
- Partnering with health authorities.
- Securing funding, training staff, and involving local businesses.
- Adapting activities to each facility.
Partners
- AULSS 3 SERENISSIMA.
- Azienda Unità Sanitarie Locali – Local Health Unit.