Devoir mettre en oeuvre des activités appropriées pour des personnes âgées atteintes de démence constitue une tâche difficile. La thérapie horticole (TH) permet de relever ce défi par l'utilisation de plantes afin de faciliter l'obtention de résultats globaux. À l'aide du modèle de l'évaluation du milieu, la présente étude cherche à analyser les réactions des participants des soins de jour pour adultes à l'égard de la TH par comparaison avec des activités traditionnelles.Des activités de TH ont été menées une fois par semaine pendant une demi-heure dans le cadre de quatre programmes différents de soins de jour pour adultes sur une période de neuf semaines. Des données d'observation ont été recueillies pendant la TH ainsi que pendant les activités traditionnelles des soins de jour pour adultes, au moyen d'une version modifiée de la technique DCM (Dementia Care Mapping). Les observateurs ont utilisé des codes pour consigner les principales réactions de chaque participant d'un point de vue comportemental et affectif.Les activités de TH ont suscité des niveaux plus élevés de participation productive, des conséquences positives ainsi que des niveaux moins élevés de non-engagement que les activités traditionnelles des soins de jour pour adultes. Par conséquent, la TH offre au personnel soignant des personnes atteintes de démence une activité de rechange valable qui est bien accueillie par les clients et qui intègre toutes les personnes intéressées, quelles que soient leurs limitations cognitives. ABSTRACTImplementing generationally appropriate activities for persons with dementia is a challenging task. Horticulture therapy (HT) addresses this challenge through the use of plants to facilitate holistic outcomes. Utilizing the model of environmental press, the current study sought to analyse adult day service (ADS) participants' responses to HT as compared to traditional activities.HT activities were conducted once a week for a half an hour at four different ADS programs over the course of 9 weeks. Observational data were collected during HT and traditional ADS activities using a modified dementia care mapping (DCM) technique. Observers coded predominant behavioural and affectual responses for each participant.HT activities facilitated higher levels of productive engagement and positive affect and lower levels of non-engagement than did traditional ADS activities. Therefore, HT offers dementia-care staff a viable activity alternative that is well received by clients and inclusive of all interested persons, despite cognitive limitations.

Engaging persons with dementia in meaningful activities supports well-being; however, care staff are challenged to implement age- and ability-appropriate activities in a group setting. We compared a randomly assigned treatment group, who received horticultural therapy-based (HT-based) programming to a comparison group, who engaged in traditional activities (TA) programming, on engagement and affect. Horticultural therapy-based programming was implemented twice weekly at 4 treatment sites for 6 weeks, while regular TA were observed at comparison sites. Results revealed no differences between groups on affective domains. Levels of adaptive behavior differed between the groups, with the treatment group demonstrating higher levels of active, passive, and other engagement and the comparison group demonstrating higher levels of self-engagement. Our results highlight the value of HT-based programs and the importance of simultaneously capturing participants' affective and behavioral responses. Theoretical and practical considerations about the facilitation of and context in which the programming occurs are discussed.

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Guided by life-course theory and a trajectory model of chronic illness, we examined the health care practices and management strategies used by 17 older women with multiple chronic conditions. Qualitative analyses revealed that the women played an active role in shaping the course of their illness within their everyday lives. Pain and a decline in energy frequently interfered with completion of daily activities. To compensate, many women reduced and slowed down the pace of activities they performed while emphasizing the importance of maintaining independence and autonomy. Appreciative of support from family members, at times the women received more help and advice than they preferred.

Implementing meaningful activities for persons with dementia reduces boredom, agitation, and negative affect. Previous research demonstrated that Montessori activities, modified for persons with dementia, facilitate positive engagement and affect. We conducted activities in small parallel group settings to support social interactions and reflect typical staff-to-client ratios in institutional activity settings. The amount and type of engagement and affect were compared during Montessori-based activities and regularly scheduled activities of 10 older adults with dementia at an adult day program. Participants exhibited more constructive engagement and less non-engagement during Montessori-activities compared to regular activities. Affect did not differ between the activity conditions. We conclude with a discussion of research and practice methodology modifications.