RESEARCH

Horticultural Therapy Programs Enhancing Quality of Life and Reducing Depression and Burden for Caregivers of Elderly with Dementia

Caregivers who participated in horticultural therapy saw a significant improvement in general quality of life, rising from 11.60 to 14.20 points, and a marginal improvement in total quality of life scores from 61.59 to 68.85 (p = .059).They also experienced a notable reduction in social activity constraints (p = .028) and a decrease in overall caregiver burden, compared to the control group where stress and depression levels increased.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Older Adults/Seniors, Dementia/Traumatic & Acquired Brain Injuries, Mental Health Challenges/Trauma, Caregivers/Healthcare Professionals

Setting or Context: Healthcare Centre

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Increased Sense of Belonging (Reduced Isolation), Improved Stress Management, Increased Social Engagement & Skills, Improved Quality of Life

Allied Profession Intersections: Occupational Therapy, Counselling

Type of Activity: Sensory Stimulation, Indoor Plant Care, Nature-Based Arts & Crafts, Growing Plants from Seed

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, 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 study explored whether gardening activities could help people who care for elderly family members with dementia feel less stressed, less depressed, and more supported. Nineteen caregivers were split into two groups: one received regular care, and the other participated in a horticultural therapy program twice a week for four weeks. The sessions included calming plant-based activities like making terrariums, perfumes, and herbal tea bags, all designed to help participants manage stress, reconnect with their own needs, and improve their emotional health. Researchers measured each person’s level of depression, sense of life quality, and caregiver stress before and after the program.

Although the sample size was small, the results showed that caregivers in the gardening group had reduced signs of depression and stress, while those in the non-gardening group actually got slightly worse. The gardening group also reported a clear improvement in how they felt about their life and health, and they felt more supported and less isolated. These changes weren’t always statistically strong, but they showed a promising trend. The study suggests that even short-term nature-based programs can help ease the emotional burden of caregiving.

Link

Kim, Y.H., Park, C.S., Bae, H.O. et al. (2020). Horticultural therapy programs enhancing quality of life and reducing depression and burden for caregivers of elderly with dementia. Journal of People Plants Environment, 23, 305-320.

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