Eldergrow launched on Earth Day, April 22, at Aegis of Edmonds. Eldergrow provides elders with a therapeutic connection to nature through their gardening products and services.
Horticultural therapy has been shown to reduce the risk factors for dementia, reduce falls, reduce medications and improve mood. Eldergrow founder Orla Concannon recalled one participant who “looked me right in the eye and said, ‘We spend a lot of our time thinking of the past, whether it’s with fondness or regret. Gardening is the one thing that gives us something to look forward to while we anticipate the new growth!'”
Eldergrow chose Aegis of Edmonds to launch its new company because Debra Moore, the community’s general manager, has a keen green thumb and created a lush garden oasis for her residents, Concannon said.
Concannon, a graduate student at Seattle University who will be earning her Healthcare Leadership MBA in June, entered the Eldergrow business plan into Seattle University’s 17th Annual Harriet Stephenson Business Plan Competition. She notes that Team Eldergrow is going to the FInal Four on May 13.
Thank you for bringing such joy and beauty to our residents, Orla and Amy. Several comments from them after you left showed us that they felt useful and fulfilled working in the dirt and sharing stories. We applaud and fully support your project.