RESEARCH

Virtual Therapeutic Horticulture – A Social Wellness Program for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The virtual therapeutic horticulture program significantly enhanced social connections among adults with I/DD during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 97% of participants feeling connected to their peers. Additionally, 92% of participants reported learning something new through the program.

Program Types: Social

Population Groups: Neurodevelopmental Differences

Setting or Context: Rehabilitation Centers

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Increased Sense of Belonging (Reduced Isolation), Sensory Stimulation, Increased Social Engagement & Skills, Increased Horticultural Knowledge

Allied Profession Intersections: Nursing

Type of Activity: Sensory Stimulation, Indoor Plant Care, Meal/Diet-Based Activities, Nature-Based Arts & Crafts, Mindfulness/Visualizations, AI/Digital Tools in Therapeutic Horticulture

Evidence Type: Randomized Controlled Trials, Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Patient-Reported Outcomes, Standardized Assessment Tools, Efficacy of AI/Digital Interventions

Access: Paid

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Summary

The research paper discusses a 16-week pilot program designed to offer therapeutic horticulture activities to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) using a virtual platform. The program involved various activities such as gardening, floral design, art, music, dance, poetry, and cooking, with participants receiving hands-on activity kits each month. The aim was to help participants feel more socially connected during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when traditional in-person services were not possible. The assessments were done with the help of staff and family members, and included visually supplemented questionnaires to accommodate different literacy levels.

The results showed that the program was very successful in engaging participants and improving their social wellness. About 97% of participants reported feeling connected to their peers through the virtual classes, and 92% felt they had learned something new. The most popular activities included making an evergreen floral arrangement. The study concluded that virtual therapeutic horticulture programs are a viable way to support social wellness and may have a lasting positive effect on participants’ connection to nature and their community.

Link

Ryzhikov, K. (2021). Virtual therapeutic horticulture – A social wellness program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. ISHS Acta Horticulturae 1330: XV International People Plant Symposium and II International Symposium on Horticultural Therapies: The Role of Horticulture in Human Well-being and Social Development

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RESEARCH

Virtual Therapeutic Horticulture – A Social Wellness Program for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Summary

Link

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