New Therapeutic Garden for seniors in the Little Cottolengo of Cerrillos

Construction of a new therapeutic garden began this week at the Pequeño Cottolengo in Cerrillos, offering residents the opportunity to connect with and benefit from nature. The “San José” Garden is located within the home of the same name, where 36 adults and seniors with various mental and physical disabilities live. Until now, these residents have not had a safe, comfortable, and pleasant outdoor space where they could enjoy recreation, exercise, socialize, or rest surrounded by nature.

“This garden is designed with the well-being of our older siblings in mind. They always deserve the best, but even more so at this stage of their lives,” said Father Claudio Chávez, priest of the Pequeño Cottolengo in Santiago. Cristián Glenz, executive director of the same institution, stated that “this new garden joins other projects we are developing within the homes. We want these spaces to be attractive and stimulating places for our residents to fully develop their abilities, and we once again appreciate the support of the Ilumina Foundation and the Cosmos Foundation.”

The new San José Garden will have a surface area of 440 m2, a pergola in its center for shelter from the summer sun, universally accessible paths for residents in wheelchairs, and railings and benches along its entire length to provide greater safety for its users. Furthermore, like any healing and therapeutic garden, it will have a variety of plant species that will ensure greenery and color throughout the year, emit different aromas, and attract birds, butterflies, and other harmless insects. Additionally, a 100 m2 covered gallery with large windows will be built attached to the home, allowing residents to visually connect with nature when the weather prevents them from going outside. The San José Garden will also have areas suitable for physical and psychological therapy.

“We are very excited about all the activities that will be available in this Garden, which has been designed with respect and care for the needs of the residents of the San José Home. It will be a space that will allow for therapies aimed at promoting personal autonomy and promoting active aging among residents in a natural setting,” said Ana Valenzuela of the Ilumina Foundation.

Felipe Correa, project director of the Cosmos Foundation, said, “We are very pleased to contribute, once again, to improving the quality of life of so many people by creating spaces that foster connection with nature and the psychological, physical, and social benefits that this entails.”

The San José Garden is the product of a collaborative alliance between the Pequeño Cottolengo, the Ilumina Foundation, and the Cosmos Foundation.