RESEARCH

Effects of Garden Visits on People with Dementia: A Pilot Study

Garden visits significantly improved mood, social interaction, attention, and orientation to time for people with dementia while reducing depression, agitation, and aggression. Residents who could freely access gardens experienced greater benefits compared to those with restricted access, highlighting the importance of autonomy in therapeutic environments.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Older Adults/Seniors, Dementia/Traumatic & Acquired Brain Injuries

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

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Cognitive Function, Improved Sleep Quality, Increased Social Engagement & Skills, Decreased Need for Pain Medication, Increased Self-Efficacy

Allied Profession Intersections: Landscape Design, Nursing

Type of Activity: Sensory Stimulation, Outdoor Gardening, Nature-Based Arts & Crafts, Mindfulness/Visualizations

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Patient-Reported Outcomes, Standardized Assessment Tools, Program Effectiveness

Access: Free

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Summary

This pilot study explores the benefits of garden visits for people with dementia, focusing on their mood, social interactions, cognitive abilities, and behavioral problems. Researchers surveyed 42 staff members from nine dementia care facilities with gardens to assess changes in residents after spending time in these natural environments. The results showed that garden visits improved mood, reduced depression and agitation, enhanced social interaction, and positively affected cognitive abilities like attention and orientation to time. Gardens provided multisensory stimuli, such as fresh air, sunlight, and colorful plants, which helped residents feel refreshed and calm. Staff also noted that residents who could freely enter and exit gardens independently experienced greater improvements in mood, cognitive functions like memory and spatial ability, and reductions in aggression compared to those with restricted access.

The study highlights the therapeutic potential of gardens in dementia care facilities. Natural environments were found to alleviate stress and foster positive emotions while helping residents recall memories and engage socially. These findings suggest that allowing residents independent access to gardens may slow cognitive decline and improve overall quality of life. Future research is recommended to explore the long-term effects of garden visits on dementia progression using larger sample sizes.