New 'gnomesville' haven for residents

Gnomes are the newest residents at Eaton's Bethanie Fields, after staff at the dementia care facility created their own 'gnomesville' for patients to enjoy.

A family of 32 gnomes now call an outdoor and garden area at the village home, while the staff are calling it a haven for patients suffering with dementia.

Enrolled nurse Linda Littlefair said patients had responded positively to the expanding gnomesville.

"They can see and notice the progress being done in the garden area," she said.

"And they interact as well, helping with watering and other things."

Staff from the village fundraised for upgrades to the outdoor area - previously closed to patients for safety reasons - including curry and pasta nights along with lamington drives.

They also received grants from Worsley and Lotterywest to help pay for the work, which included the addition of new awnings, shade sails and garden furniture.

Clinical nurse specialist Perri Waddell said doors to the safer outdoor area could now be left open, with residents now protected from the wind and sun.

She said the residents were not the only ones enjoying gnomesville.

"Families have enjoyed having somewhere to take their loved ones when they visit and have joined staff and residents in the gardening activities," she said.

Staff are hoping for a population growth in gnomesville, calling on the public to donate gnomes for their residents to enjoy.