Article contentArticle content“Supporting the mental wellness of older adults means supporting their caregivers too. When programs create joyful, calm environments, everyone benefits,” says Smith.Article contentPartnerships have made this growth possible, especially the collaboration with the Northwood Foundation, whose ongoing funding helped launch SEEDs.Article contentArticle content“That early support gave us the freedom to test and grow the program,” Smith reflects.Article contentArticle content“It planted the roots for everything we’re doing now with Roots to Resilience.”Article contentArticle contentThe Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s investment allowed Northwood to try new approaches to mental wellness that are rooted in creativity, connection, and compassion.Article contentArticle content“Without that support, programs like this simply wouldn’t exist. It’s helped us reach more people every year,” she says.Article contentArticle contentThe impact is best told through the people who take part:Article contentArticle contentArticle content“I didn’t need a doctor’s note or a diagnosis, just the courage to say I was having a hard time. That openness made all the difference.”Article contentArticle content“Working with my hands in the garden helped me find joy again. Planting a seed or finishing a project gave me hope when I needed it most.”Article contentArticle content“Before joining, I spent most of my days alone. The friendships I’ve made remind me that I’m part of something bigger than myself.”Article contentArticle contentMany participants hadn’t realized how lonely they’d become until they felt connected again. Others found peace they didn’t think was possible later in life. Roots to Resilience is intentionally barrier-free. The programs are free and open to anyone who feels they could benefit.Article contentArticle content“You don’t need a referral or diagnosis. You just need to show up. That’s what makes it welcoming,” confirms Smith.Article contentArticle contentBy embedding mental wellness into familiar activities like gardening and art, the program offers a gentle, stigma-free way to nurture mental health.Article contentArticle contentArticle content“We’re closing the gap between no support and clinical intervention,” she says.Article contentArticle content“We’re giving people a safe, accessible way to care for their mental health.”Article contentArticle contentAs the need for mental wellness support among older adults grows, Smith hopes programs like SEEDs and Roots to Resilience will continue to expand.Article contentArticle content“When someone identifies that they need support, we should be able to welcome them right away. My vision is a future where community-based mental health programs for older adults are the norm, not the exception.”Article contentArticle contentThere are many ways to help that vision grow: participate, volunteer, donate, or simply spread the word.Article contentArticle content“Every bit of support helps. It ensures older adults in our community can access therapeutic, activity-based programs that reduce isolation and build resilience,” Smith says.Article contentArticle contentAt Northwood’s Bedford campus, those seeds of connection keep taking root. One painting, one garden bed, and one conversation at a time.Article contentArticle contentSam Madore is the manager of marketing and communications with the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.Article content
SENIOR LIVING: Planting seeds of connection
