RESEARCH

The Impact of a Dementia-Friendly Garden Design on People With Dementia in a Residential Aged Care Facility: A Case Study

The research found that being in outdoor garden spaces helps reduce negative behaviors in dementia patients. This suggests that incorporating nature-based interventions in care facilities significantly improves residents’ well-being.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Dementia/Traumatic & Acquired Brain Injuries

Setting or Context: Assisted Living/Long-Term Care Homes

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Cognitive Function, Sensory Stimulation, Increase in Standing or Walking Tolerance, Increased Social Engagement & Skills

Allied Profession Intersections: Landscape Design, Nursing

Type of Activity: Sensory Stimulation, Forest/Natural Area Immersion

Evidence Type: Case Studies, Randomized Controlled Trials, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Standardized Assessment Tools

Access: Free

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Summary

The research paper explores the impact of outdoor environmental interventions on individuals living with dementia in nursing homes. The study involved creating special garden areas where residents could spend time either alone or with friends and family. The goal was to see if engaging with nature could help reduce common dementia-related behaviors like agitation and wandering. Over the period of the study, participants had opportunities to interact with these garden spaces during their scheduled visits.

The results of the study showed that spending more time outdoors in well-designed garden areas had positive effects on the residents. Specifically, it helped in reducing agitation and wandering behaviors, contributing to a better quality of life for individuals with dementia. The study’s insights underscore the importance of creating engaging and therapeutic outdoor environments in aged care facilities.

Link

Motealleh, P., Moyle, W., Jones, C. & Dupre, K. (2022). The impact of a dementia-friendly garden design on people with dementia in a residential aged care facility: A case study. HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal, 15(2), 196-218

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